Prosecutors seek 23 years in prison for doctor in murder case involving ALS patient

Five years ago, in the trial of a doctor who was accused of killing a Kyoto woman suffering from the incurable disease ALS at her request, prosecutors sentenced him to prison, citing ``an extremely unique crime that misused his medical knowledge.'' He was sentenced to 23 years. On the other hand, the defendant's lawyer asserted his innocence, saying, ``Punishing the doctor would deny women's choices and decisions.''

Five years ago, doctor Yuichi Okubo (45) and another former doctor received a request from Yuri Hayashi (51 at the time) from Kyoto City, who was suffering from ALS, an incurable disease in which the muscles of the whole body gradually become unable to move, to sell drugs. He is being charged with commission murder for killing the man by administering the drug to him.

In previous trials, the defendant has acknowledged the charges and stated, ``I did this to fulfill Mr. Hayashi's wishes.''

At the trial held at the Kyoto District Court, Hayashi's father gave his opinion, saying, ``My daughter was physically disabled, but she was definitely alive. ” was read out.

Afterwards, the prosecutor said, ``The defendant killed the patient in a short period of time without knowing the details of his symptoms, and he accepted the request with the assumption of compensation, so there is no way that this was a legitimate act.This is a very unique crime that misused medical knowledge, and will continue to be a comfortable crime.'' "There is a risk that he will practice murder under the pretense of death and provide guidance," he said, demanding a sentence of 23 years in prison.

In response, the defendant's lawyer once again asserted his innocence, saying, ``Punishing the defendant would deny Mr. Hayashi's choices and decisions, and would violate the Constitution, which provides for the right to self-determination.''

Okubo, along with another former doctor, is also accused of murdering the former doctor's father 13 years ago, and has maintained his innocence.

The verdict is scheduled to be handed down on the 5th of next month.