Media Release Strong International support for NZ Euthanasia Activist Exit International has announced a global campaign to draw attention to the plight of euthanasia activist, Suzy Austen. Austen, 65, has now had a charge of ‘assisting a suicide’ added to two charges of importing the euthanasia drug Nembutal into New Zealand. Assisting a suicide in New Zealand carries the maximum sentence of 14 years jail. Suzy is due back in court in May 12, represented by one of New Zealand’s leading Barristers, QC Donald Stephens. The Exit campaign, launched on the CrowdFunding site, GoFundMe, seeks to raise a minimum of $50,000 to help Suzy with her legal defence. In the first 12 hours the campaign has raised over $15,000. The GoFundMe site is at: https://gofund.me/suzyausten Suzy has been the face of the voluntary euthanasia movement in NZ for over a decade and ran the Wellington chapter of Exit International. She was also an executive member of the NZ Voluntary Euthanasia Society. Suzy became a victim of the NZ Police Taskforce 'Operation Painter’ which was set up in October 2016 to target members of Exit International. The campaign, described by Exit Director Dr Philip Nitschke, as “a grubby little anti-Exit witch hunt” was responsible for the now infamous (and possibly illegal) roadblock staged last October, where NZ Police created a fake alcohol road checkpoint to intercept and question Exit Members after an informal Sunday lunch at Suzy’s home in Wellington. Information gained from this spot interrogation led to a number of police Nembutal drug raids on the homes of Exit Members. Suzy Austen was charged with two counts of importing the drug. An additional charge of 'assisting a suicide' of another Exit member, Annemarie Treadwell, 77 who died in June last year, was added this week. Speaking from the Netherlands, Dr Philip Nitschke said that he was shocked by the decision of NZ prosecutors to include the serious charge of assisting. “Elderly Exit members believe they should have the right to end their lives in a peaceful and dignified fashion at the time of their choosing. “To be able to do this, they must be able to freely associate, discuss the issue of euthanasia and, ultimately, have access to the most reliable end of life drugs. “Suzy has been a compassionate and caring Exit Chapter Coordinator. She does not deserve to be punished in this manner”, he said. Dr Nitschke said he expected there will be strong support for Suzy as details of the case attract attention around the world. He has discussed the matter with the World Federation of Right to Die Societies re drawing international attention onto this issue. The current president, New Zealander Professor Sean Davison, is taking a close interest in the case, and has indicated support for Suzy’s case from the Federation. “The case draws attention onto a fundamental question that effects the elderly around the world: Should they have the right to determine the timing and manner of their death?” Further Information: Dr Philip Nitschke tel: +31 6 30 966 992 or <[email protected]> Date: 25th April 2017 ______________END .