The man dubbed 'Dr Death' has held a seminar in London advising people about euthanasia.
Philip Nitschke is an Australian medical doctor, humanist, author and founder and director of the pro-euthanasia group Exit International and travels the world holding seminars on how people can end their lives. Advertisements for today's event state that the meetings "will focus on recent developments in reliable DIY options for a peaceful death" and topics include "the best end of life drug - Nembutal" - a lethal barbiturate.
Dr Nitschke has previously said that "all people should qualify" for a suicide pill, including "the depressed, the elderly bereaved" and even "the troubled teen". Care Not Killing says his activities endanger vulnerable people and the public needs to be informed of his actions.
The group organised a protest outside the workshop and its Campaign Director Dr Peter Saunders told Premier's Marcus Jones on News Hour more about why they are worried:
Dr Nitschke campaigned successfully to have a legal euthanasia law passed in Australia's Northern Territory and assisted four people in ending their lives before the law was overturned by the Federal government.
He also says he was the first doctor in the world to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection. He made headlines in New Zealand when he announced plans to accompany eight New Zealanders to Mexico where the drug Nembutal, capable of producing a fatal overdose, can be purchased legally. He also made caused waves when he presented a plan to launch a "death ship" that would have allowed him to circumvent local laws by euthanising people from around the world in international waters. Care Not Killing have raised concerns about Dr Nitschke's visit to the UK with Home Secretary Theresa May and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe. The group claims his workshops may be in breach to the 1961 Suicide Act. Dr Nitschke was detained at Gatwick airport on Sunday, but eventually let into the country several hours later after having some items temporarily confiscated by border officials.
A Home Office spokesman said:
"Every application is judged on its own merits and visas are only issued if the individual meets the requirements of the UK's Immigration Rules."
Premier has contacted Dr Nitschke and is waiting for a response.