Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies at 92 by Assisted Suicide

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92, just days before his 93rd birthday. Dignitas paid tribute to Minelli, describing his life as one dedicated to freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights. Since he founded the organisation in 1998, Dignitas has assisted thousands of people seeking an end to their suffering, becoming one of the most recognised names in global debates on assisted dying.

Minelli initially worked as a journalist before turning to law and human rights advocacy, becoming a leading voice in the international right-to-die movement. He campaigned passionately for what he called society’s “last human right”—the ability to decide one’s own end in a safe and painless way. His efforts helped shape legal and ethical discussions worldwide, including a notable 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling affirming the right of competent individuals to determine the manner and timing of their death.

Despite his influence, Minelli also faced criticism and legal challenges within Switzerland, particularly over Dignitas’ openness to helping non-terminally ill individuals and foreigners seeking assisted suicide. While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying has been permitted since 1942 under strict conditions. Dignitas emphasised that it will continue Minelli’s mission, operating as an international organisation committed to self-determination and freedom of choice at the end of life.

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