Social-Media
Facebook bans the live stream of a dying French man who tried to announce his death
Facebook has blocked the live stream of a man in France suffering from an incurable disease who was preparing to livestream his suicide, Agence France-Press reported. Alain Cocq, 57, has a neurological condition that causes his arteries to bind together, preventing all food and drink from Friday night. He used his illness to attempt to bring in improvements to France's right-to-die rule, and revealed that he would live his death on Facebook.
Our hearts go out to Alain Cocq and those who are upset by this tragic situation, Facebook spokeswoman Emily Cain wrote to The Verge on Saturday.Although we support his decision to draw attention to this sensitive and challenging topic, based on professional advice, we have taken measures to prevent Alain from broadcasting live, as we do not encourage suicide attempts to be portrayed.
Cocq wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron in July demanding that he be able to die with dignity, using strong medical assistance, CNN reported. Cocq wrote that he had a sound mind but was crippled by pain. Macron wrote back that he respected Cocq's remarkable determination but said that he could not accept Cocq 's appeal.
In France, euthanasia is unconstitutional, and French law forbids deep sedation, which leaves a patient unconscious before his or her death, even in special conditions. However, French residents may wish to avoid medical care, and according to CNN, French law does not allow for the prosecution of people for suicide.
According to Agence France-Press, Cocq said he was searching for another way to share his live stream video after learning that Facebook had blocked his attempt.
