16 Years After Killing 5 Children, This Mother Asks To Be Injected To Die And Approved By The Government

JAKARTA - Lhermite's request to be injected to death was finally approved by the Belgian government. Just after 16 years he killed five of his biological children.

Lhermite killed his sons and four daughters, aged three to 14, in the city of Nivelles on February 28, 2007, when their father left.

At that time Lhermite tried to commit suicide and failed. Then he contacted the emergency service to ask for help.

The 56-year-old was sentenced to life in prison in 2008. But 11 years later he was transferred to a mental hospital, as reported by the BBC, Saturday, March 4.

In Belgium, the law allows people to choose euthanasia if they are deemed to suffer unbearable psychological suffering. It's not just physical suffering that can't be cured.

This person must be aware of his decision and be able to express his wishes in a reasonable and consistent manner.

"This special procedure was followed by Mrs. Lhermite, with various medical opinions having been collected," said her lawyer.

Psychologist Emilie Maroit said Lhermite most likely chose to die on February 28 as a symbolic sign of respect for her children.

"Maybe also because he finished what he started, because basically he wanted to end his life when he killed them," the psychologist said.

This murder case has indeed caused a stir in Belgium. During the trial, Lhermite's lawyer argued that his client had a mental disorder and should not be sent to prison. But the jury found him guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.