INDEPENDENT NEWS

Copeland ups the ante on 'Dr Death'

Published: Tue 31 Jan 2006 04:48 PM
Copeland ups the ante on 'Dr Death'
United Future MP Gordon Copeland has lodged a formal complaint with acting Police Commissioner Steve Long with a view to getting an investigation into the activities in New Zealand of Australian euthanasia campaigner, Dr Philip Nitschke.
Mr Copeland said "It seems crystal clear to me that Dr Nitschke is certainly counselling people to commit suicide, which is illegal in New Zealand.
"In 2002, Dr Nitschke's activities ? distributing suicide bags ? were described by police as not breaching the law.
"However, having regard to the exact wording of the statute, I believe that the point has now been reached where a formal investigation with a view to charges should be undertaken," said Mr Copeland.
Last week, the MP wrote to Immigration Minister, David Cunliffe, to see if there were ground for preventing Dr Nitschke from entering New Zealand.
Ends

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