Elderly couple die hand in hand next to letter calling for legalised euthanasia after double suicide at luxury Paris hotel

  • Georgette and Bernard Cazes, 86, found after ordering breakfast at Lutetia
  • They left a letter saying it was 'cruel' for state to deny them the right to die
  • Couple had been planning their deaths for several years, said their son

By Peter Allen In Paris

PUBLISHED: 11:54 EST, 25 November 2013 | UPDATED: 12:30 EST, 25 November 2013


A dramatic double suicide in one of Paris’s most romantic hotels today led to renewed calls for euthanasia to be legalised in France.

Georgette and Bernard Cazes, both 86, checked themselves into the Lutetia last Thursday and ended their days holding hands.

The married couple, who had been together for more than 60 years, left a letter to the authorities 'demanding the right to die in a dignified manner'.

Tragic: Georgette and Bernard Cazes, both 86, were found hand in hand in a double suicide at the romantic Hotel Lutetia in Paris, pictured. They left a letter attacking the authorities for not letting them choose euthanasia

Tragic: Georgette and Bernard Cazes, 86, were found hand in hand in a double suicide at the romantic Hotel Lutetia in Paris, pictured. They left a letter attacking the authorities for not letting them choose euthanasia

Mr Cazes wrote that 'it was cruel' that society did not allow law-abiding tax payers the 'freedom' to die when they wanted.

One of their sons today said they had been 'planning their deaths for years' because they did not want to become a burden on their family, or the state.

 

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They also wanted to end their days united in happiness, rather than suffering a painful death alone.

The Lutetia, one of the most upmarket hotels on Paris’s hugely romantic Left Bank, was chosen because the couple first stayed there in their youth.

When found, the couple's room was perfectly made up, as they had found it when checking in.

Illegal: Euthanasia is banned in all forms in France, forcing those who want to die to travel to clinics like Dignitas in Switzerland, pictured. Opinion polls show up to 92 per cent of French people want it legalised

Illegal: Euthanasia is banned in all forms in France, forcing those who want to die to travel to clinics like Dignitas in Switzerland, pictured. Opinion polls show up to 92 per cent of French people want it legalised

The couple, from the Paris suburb of Issy-les-Moulineaux, had asked staff to bring them breakfast in bed, ensuring their bodies would be found quickly.

All their affairs were in order, including documents containing their final wishes, although it is not known whether they were suffering from any disease.

The Lutetia was a favourite of great artists and writers including Pablo Picasso and James Joyce, who loved its romantic setting and architecture.

Mrs Casez first visited the hotel in the 1940s when she met her father there when he was released from a prison camp after the Second World War.

Euthanasia is currently illegal in any form in France, although in 2005 France approved a law that allows people to decline extreme medical treatment.

Famous: Built in 1910, Hotel Lutetia was the first Art Deco hotel in Paris and is one of the city's most romantic. It was a favourite of early 1900s artists and writers including Pablo Picasso and James Joyce

Famous: Built in 1910, Hotel Lutetia was the first Art Deco hotel in Paris and is one of the city's most romantic. It was a favourite of early 1900s artists and writers including Pablo Picasso and James Joyce

Recent opinion polls show that between 56 and 92 per cent of French people want assisted suicide made legal for those suffering from an incurable or terminal illness.

President Francois Hollande commissioned a six-month study on euthanasia last year, and has recommended that the government acknowledge public opinion on the issue.

If attempts are made to introduce it, then the government can expect fierce opposition from conservatives, including the religious groups who protested against France’s same sex marriage bill.

For confidential help or advice call the Samaritans on 08457 909090.

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If their isn't a quality of life and no chance if recovering, I believe a person has the right to make that choice.

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Not one comment I have seen is against euthanasia, when will the governments in charge of our countries pay attention? This is an incredibly sad but heartwarming story of unconditional love. I hope they rest in peace with the knowledge that they may have changed history through their love and determination.

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I hope God treats them with compassion. I would never do this..

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If you want to legalize euthanasia, why not just legalise suicide and extend it to everyone, the sick, the unhappy, the ungrateful....... Talk about 'human rights'.

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it should be legal everywhere! live your life on YOUR terms, NOT the governments!!!

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So sad. That's how I'd like to die. With my husband, hand in hand, at peace. I couldn't imagine being alone or depending on my children ruining their lives.

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There is going to be a LOT MORE suicides and/or double suicides (such as this one) in the near future. This is an automatic response to governments doing NOTHING (refusing to do something) to address this most important issue, together with a realization by increasing numbers of people that religion makes little sense. Here in Toronto we had an elderly couple jump to their deaths a month ago from the 18th floor of their apartment. What a damned shame that its come to this. (Why do governments around the world avoid this topic? Scared? God tells them not to end someone's life?) Of course with more and more 'boomers' taking their own lives the noise gets louder. Assisted-dying HAS to be brought in, as it has been in four European countries and four US states. It's time!

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We should have the right to choose. Why does the law / government have more say over our bodies and our lives than ourselves?

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since they accomplished what they wanted why do you want government involved? i understand in some countrys you do not get a choice you can be put down if someone else thinks your a nuisance i do not want gov to have the power except for criminals

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i envy their love

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