Venues cancel 'suicide workshops'

Dr Nitschke believes people have the right to a "peaceful death"

A controversial doctor has been forced to cancel a second suicide workshop in Dorset after another venue pulled out.

Two locations - the Hermitage Hotel and the Bournemouth Adult Centre - have now cancelled talks by the Australian euthanasia expert Dr Philip Nitschke.

Dr Nitschke, who chose the town because of the large number of older residents, still hopes to find another venue.

One of his workshops is due to take place in London, when participants will learn about his DIY suicide kit.

No-one from the Hermitage was available for comment but earlier this week Bournemouth Borough Council said it was "inappropriate" for the event to be held at the council-owned Bournemouth Adult Centre.

When you give people information, you empower them Dr Philip Nitschke

"This event is not appropriate for a Bournemouth Borough Council venue and was cancelled as soon as it was brought to our attention."

In an interview with the BBC on Friday Dr Nitschke said: "When you give people information, you empower them. You allow them to make choices in their best interest.

"If you deny them information - which is the way the current law is structured here, so you can't get information easily or legally - people flounder around in the darkness and then they use the easiest method to die."

He said he was very disappointed that another venue in Bournemouth had pulled out.

But pro-euthanasia campaign group Dignity in Dying said his advice was "irresponsible" and illegal.

Chief executive Sarah Wootton told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think what Philip's doing is illegal, clearly dangerous and crucially it doesn't protect the vulnerable."

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