South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has welcomed the decision by Queen’s University to withdraw an invitation to Dr. Nitscke, a so called euthanasia expert, who had been scheduled to give a lecture at the University on Sunday. Commenting, Mr. Spratt said: “Initially I was very disappointed and angry that a Professor at Queen’s saw fit to issue an invitation to Dr. Nitscke, the infamous ‘Dr. Death’. The University has a duty to act in the best interests of the student population, and I find no benefit whatsoever to the education of students by the visit of such a character.
Dr. Nitscke openly espouses the idea of suicide and it was expected he would provide information to students on how to put together a ‘suicide kit’. Such information can only be to the detriment of the audience and is extremely dangerous. For a University to host such an event, where such information is made available, would have been reckless in the extreme. Furthermore, euthanasia is illegal in the United Kingdom and should not be promoted in any shape or form.
I contacted senior University staff to outline my concerns and am delighted that the invitation has now been withdrawn. Dr. Nitscke is a particularly dangerous individual and I am glad the University has recognised this. Neither he, nor his message, is welcome in Northern Ireland.
I applaud the swift action of senior management of the University and the wisdom of their decision.”
I applaud the swift action of senior management of the University and the wisdom of their decision.”