Brit Charged With Killing Terminally Ill Wife Denies Murder

FEB 10 2022·Updated JAN 4 2023

Story

Image credit: Facebook [via The Guardian]

The Facts

Lawyers for a man charged with murdering his wife in Cyprus are seeking to have the charge altered to assisted suicide.
BBC News
David Hunter, a 74-year-old ex-miner from Northumberland, is accused of killing his 75-year-old wife who had been suffering from terminal blood cancer.
BBC News
Hunter tried to take his own life immediately after his wife's death in December but survived.
BBC News
The developments come as Cyprus' parliament is discussing legalizing euthanasia.
BBC News

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Murder is not an appropriate charge. He acted to free his wife from the immense pain of her illness - the couple's daughter has testified to her parents' devotion to each other and her mother's desire to die.

The Guardian

Narrative B

It's unclear whether Hunter had his wife's consent and, regardless of her wishes, euthanasia is still illegal in Cyprus. He was recently ordered to attend a psychiatric facility in response to the killing and attempted overdose, and his actions demand intense investigation.

Daily Mail