I don't know if this has already been discussed here but I think a murderer and rapist sentenced to life imprisonment should not be allowed the right to die. He should have to live with himself for the rest of his natural life and not take the easy route to escaping justice.
I agree,hc. I'd rather a criminal serve their punishment in the here and now. It will be-hopefully- a daily reminder of what they've done. I see death-whether the death penalty or this method - as wrong. Yes...it's an easy way out,particularly for those who have no fear of it.
And since when does the criminal choose the punishment?
If it is their own wish then sure, they should be allowed to give up their life if that is their sanely considered wish. But there again it isn't available to the general public yet (ok I don't know the Belgium situation re euthanasia/suicide) so I can't see prisoners being made an exception, now.
Were it a generally available option then it would be pure vengefulness on society's part not to allow it simply because a prisoner asks for it.
It's not revenge. The judiciary sentenced him to life imprisonment under the law and having to life with himself and what he's done is surely a great part of that sentence.