Police raid Dr Death’s Fringe play on how to commit suicide
POLICE raided an Edinburgh Fringe show just hours before a controversial doctor showed members of the public how to take their own lives.
Police Scotland turned up along with a council official to examine the set where a leading euthanasia advocate was planning to perform his ghoulish right-to-die play.
And it was only after Dr Philip Nitschke – nicknamed Dr Death – agreed to make last-minute changes that they allowed the show to open last night.
Both police and City of Edinburgh Council acted after serious concerns were voiced about the safety of members of the audience attending the show, entitled Dicing With Dr Death.
It explores ways to skirt laws on assisted suicide despite the fact legislation to allow it has only recently been rejected by the Scottish parliament.
Last night the Australian euthanasia proponent – who is suspended from practising as a doctor in his home country – accused the authorities of trying to ‘kill off ’ and censor his act.
Earlier council officials and police officers visited The Caves venue beneath the city’s South Bridge to examine health and safety issues, particularly involving the equipment being used in the show.
They were worried about the use of pure nitrogen and the placing of a compressed gas canister on the stage only a few feet away from the audience.
They ordered the high-profile right-to-die pioneer to modify his so-called ‘Destiny’ machine before finally allowing the show to go ahead with only hours to spare.
Afterwards Dr Nitschke accused the police of convincing BOC Gas to cancel his order for nitrogen gas to scupper the performance. He claimed the ‘air’ was harmless.
Dr Nitschke said: ‘I was appalled that the Scottish police had become the pawns of the Christian Right.
‘What the police seem to have done is threaten both BOC and the venue that trouble will follow for them if I use “air” as part of the Destiny machine during the show despite the fact it is the air we all breathe.
‘As there are no legal grounds for such allegations, the police actions are simply political censorship.’
The controversial figure admitted he was shocked and disappointed by the ‘blatant’ attempted censorship.
He was questioned under caution in April by the Metropolitan Police in London about the show.
They f eared i t breached UK assisted suicide laws and warned him he could face a maximum 14 years in prison if convicted.
However, the Met later announced they would take no further action.
The 67-year-old medic, who is the head of voluntary euthanasia group Exit I nternational, has been desperate to bring his show to Edinburgh.
Speaking ahead of the show, he said: ‘Given the Fringe’s strong history of cutting-edge theatre and comedy and a political consciousness and activism on a whole range of subjects that define the human condition, I’m s hocked and appalled at this blatant censorship.
‘I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel distinctly uneasy that Police Scotland has been allowed to become the arbiters of art and performance in Edinburgh this week.
‘Their actions make a mockery of free speech in Scotland.’
However, Police Scotland rejected his claim, insisting its involvement had nothing to do with the content of the show.
A spokesman said: ‘ Police in Edinburgh were made aware of public health concerns at an Edinburgh Fringe show where a gas canister is present on the stage.
‘Officers carried out a joint visit to the show organisers alongside the City of Edinburgh Council who are continuing inquiries.’
Last night the local authority insisted the show could go ahead after it was agreed a fake canister would be used. A spokesman said officers had visited the venue and given advice about how to comply with licensing conditions.
The subject matter prompted anti- euthanasia group Care Not Killing to voice its concerns. It had strongly urged Police Scotland and the Crown Office to take a close look at the show.
Disquiet about the content of the show has also prompted critics to claim it could breach Scottish laws that prevent aiding a suicide.
‘Arbiters of art and performance’ ‘I’m shocked at this blatant censorship’