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Nitschke seeks legal funds

Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke is asking supporters to help raise $100,000 for his legal fees.

Dr Nitschke was suspended by the Medical Board of Australia after it ruled he posed ā€œa serious risk to the health and safety of the publicā€.

He was also last week interviewed by police investigating the death of Max Bromson who took his own life and died in a Glenelg motel room surrounded by family members.

Dr Nitschke has asked supporters to donate to the ā€œLegal Defense Fundā€, saying it was ā€œnow more important than everā€.

ā€œNot only do I need to raise funds for solicitors and senior counsel to appeal against the suspension of my medical licence but I now need, possibly, to mount a criminal defence should politically-motivated charges be brought against me,ā€ Dr Nitschke said in an email sent on Saturday night.

ā€œDon’t get me wrong, I knew life as a voluntary euthanasia activist would never be easy, I didn’t realise the insidious length of the arms of those who, for religious or other reasons, oppose end of life choice.

ā€œOur target is $100,000, we have currently raised $55K.ā€

Mr Bromson ran for the senate last year for the Voluntary Euthanasia Party.

He suffered from a rare and terminal form of bone cancer and said he lived with excruciating pain and wanted the right to end his life peacefully at the appropriate time.

Dr Nitschke has said Mr Bromson took an imported drug which had been tested at Exit International laboratory at Gilberton in Adelaide.

ā€œMax made an informed, considered decision to end his suffering from cancer and die with his family present,ā€ Dr Nitschke also said in the email on Saturday.

ā€œNo one encouraged him. No one assisted him. It was his decision, and his alone.ā€

Police are investigating whether any criminal offence involving assisting in a suicide had been committed.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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