IRELAND

American Unitarian Minister Faces Charges in Ireland

Ireland will start extradition proceedings within the next fortnight against an American Unitarian minister George Exoo, who assisted in the suicide of a Dublin woman, Rosemary Toole, last year. It marks the first time a state has sought the extradition of anyone aiding suicides anywhere in the world.

The Reverend George Exoo could be tried in the republic under the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993 and could face 14 years in an Irish prison if he is convicted.

Irish detectives traced the 'exit bag' used in the assisted suicide, to Evelyn Martens in Vancouver, Canada. Police in British Columbia have arrested Martens in connection with other assisted suicides in North America. The ball starts rolling over the next two weeks. The files go to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions). We are confident he will support our extradition request and then we go back to the US and ask the American courts to let us take Exoo back to Ireland," one of the inquiry team told The Observer.

Exoo, who belonged to the organisation Compassionate Chaplaincy, has admitted his role in the assisted suicide. He said he has 'nothing to hide' and is prepared to meet Irish authorities over the death. He preaches at the New River Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in Beckley and Lewisberg in West Virginia.