Scandal in France: 12 pensioners are accused of underground “death industry”

In the French capital today, a loud process has launched over 12 activists organizations Ultime Liberté (“Last freedom”), who are accused of helping people – both sick and healthy – to buy Barbiturates for leaving life.

The age of the defendants – from 74 to 89 years old. According to investigators, in the period from August 2018 to November 2020, they assisted dozens of people in acquiring Pentobarbitala – Substances that cause a quick and painless end. Transactions were concluded via the Internet.

Debate about the right to death

Question about the right to an assisted death In France, he has long been violent disputes. Spring National Assembly The bill approved in the first reading, which allows the legalization of this practice. If it passes completely, France will become The eighth country of EuropeWhere such a step is legalized.

However, activists Ultime Liberté We went further than traditional movements for euthanasia: they demand to legitimize “calm suicide” for any adult, even if he is absolutely healthy, subject to a conscious and deliberate choice.

“Heirs of the 60s”

Activists themselves call themselves the successors of the movements of the 60-70s for contraception And Abortionseeing in this the same struggle for freedom to dispose of the body. Only now is it about right to death As for the last act of control.

“Suicide is decriminalized after the revolution, but many laws still interfere with the freedom of“ peaceful care ”,” said Claude Uripresident Ultime Liberté And the main accused in the case, in an interview with AFP.

Deliveries under the guise of “cosmetics”

The investigation began in 2019 after information from the American authorities about Mexican network sales of barbiturates. The drug in liquid form was poured into brown bottles with blue lids and sent around the world under the label “natural cosmetics”.

Yellow vests near the court

Before the start of the hearing 70 supporters Organizations held an action at the court in Paris, wearing yellow vests and holding posters: “Control over life to the end”. The action was recorded by AFP reporters.

The case will be considered before October 9. But now it’s clear: French society is waiting for a new round of heavy disputes about the boundaries of freedom and the “right to the last choice”.

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