Belgian government denies murderer's request for assisted suicide

The Belgian government says a rapist and murderer will not be granted his wish for assisted suicide this weekend but will instead be taken to a special facility for observation.

Justice Minister Koen Geens said Tuesday that Frank Van Den Bleeken, who was found guilty of murder and rape in several cases and has been locked up for almost 30 years, would be given a chance for a "qualitatively decent life."

His request to undergo euthanasia won approval from Belgium's Federal Euthanasia Commission last September, after years of requests for the state to help him end his life.

But on Tuesday, Belgium's justice ministry released a statement saying Geens "takes note of the decision of doctors treating Mr Frank Van Den Bleeken to no longer continue the euthanasia procedure".

A ministry spokesperson told the BBC that the doctor who was due to carry out the procedure - scheduled for 11 January - had withdrawn and was no longer willing to be involved.

Van Den Bleeken said he wants to die because he has no viable treatment options left for his psychological problems and cannot control his sexual urges.

Belgium has one of the broadest euthanasia laws in the world but the fate of Van Den Bleeken was seen by many as proof of a failing justice and health system.