A woman who shocked Belgian society 16 years ago by killing her five children was euthanized at her own request at the end of last month, the British BBC reported on the 3rd (local time).
The woman, named Genevieve Lhermitte, killed one son aged 3 to 14 and four daughters on February 28, 2007, while her husband was out. Immediately after the incident, Lhermitte attempted to take her own life but failed. The Belgian court sentenced Lhermitte to life imprisonment in 2008, and she was transferred to a psychiatric hospital in 2019 during her incarceration.
In Belgium, euthanasia is permitted not only for unbearable physical pain but also when mental suffering is deemed intolerable.
Lhermitte's lawyer stated, "She expressed her intention for euthanasia in a rational and consistent manner, fully aware of her decision."
Psychologist Emilie Maroit told local media, "Lhermitte likely chose February 28, the day she killed her children, as the date for euthanasia as a symbolic gesture toward her children."
At the time of the trial, Lhermitte's defense claimed diminished mental capacity to avoid imprisonment, but the court ruled that she committed a premeditated murder and sentenced her to life imprisonment.
In 2010, she filed a civil lawsuit seeking 3 million euros (approximately 4.1 billion KRW) against her psychiatrist for failing to fulfill his duty and prevent the murders. She suddenly withdrew the lawsuit after 10 years.
In Belgium, 2,966 people chose euthanasia last year, a 10% increase from the previous year, with cancer being the leading cause.
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