Former Dutch Prime Minister and his wife end their lives through euthanasia

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries Van Agt, 93, and his wife Eugenie Van Agt-Krekelberg have bid farewell to life together through euthanasia. 

According to the statement, Dries Van Agt's health had not been good for some time following a brain hemorrhage. It was stated that the health of his wife, Eugenie Van Agt-Krekelberg, had also been deteriorating recently, and that the couple did not want to suffer any longer and wished to bid farewell to life together.

The statement was made by The Rights Forum, which Van Agt founded. 

HE HAD FOUNDED AN ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT PALESTINE

Van Agt was also a politician known for his support for Palestine.

The Rights Forum, which he founded, had previously carried out work to urge the Netherlands not to support Israel and had organized marches at various times.

Van Agt, who served as prime minister between 1977 and 1981, continued his civil rights advocacy after leaving active politics. The Rights Forum, which he founded in 2009, has defined itself since its inception as "a knowledge center committed to a just and sustainable Dutch and European policy regarding the Palestine/Israel issue." 

Van Agt had been participating in demonstrations in support of Palestine since 2009. Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who released a statement, said that 'at a time when polarization in the Netherlands is increasing, Van Agt added color to politics with his unique language.'