Taiwanese father is sentenced for assisting suicide of disabled son who faced amputations

A Taiwanese man who assisted his disabled son with committing suicide last year has been sentenced to jail and given a probation.

The man, identified only as Chang, was sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment followed by a three-year probation with protection and restraint, according to CNA.

Chang, who comes from Yunlin County, Taiwan, was accused of assisted suicide. He stabbed his 24-year-old son to death on Aug. 10, 2021, according to Taiwan News.

The deceased became disabled following a road accident several years ago, which left him unable to walk. Faced with the possibility of having his feet amputated due to bedsores, he sought help from his father.

Chang’s son had reportedly tried to take his life in the past, but all his previous attempts were unsuccessful. Chang brought his son to an industrial road two kilometers (about 1.2 miles) away from their home on the morning of the murder, then stabbed him to death using a fruit knife.

Chang called the police to turn himself in soon after. During the investigation of the murder, authorities discovered a letter written by Chang’s son, who confessed that he was the one who asked his father to help him since he “had lost the will to live due to prolonged illness.” The Yunlin County Police Bureau referred to the letter’s handwriting to check for authenticity and determined that the letter appears to be genuine.

Chang’s son was rushed to the hospital after the incident and eventually pronounced dead. Prosecutors consider the act to be assisted suicide. A person found guilty of assisted suicide in Taiwan can face one to seven years of imprisonment.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For a list of international suicide hotlines, click here.

Featured Image via Douliu Precinct via Taiwan News

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