Dignitas founder, 92, ends at one of his own assisted dying clinics

Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli has ended his life aged 92 at one of his own assisted dying clinics, just days before his birthday.

The not-for-profit Swiss clinic announced the human rights lawyer had 'chosen to end his life' on November 29. 

In a four-page tribute, Dignitas said 'he stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens'. 

Minelli set up the clinic in 1998 to help the terminally and chronically ill die with 'dignity'. 

The clinic's slogan reads: 'Live with dignity, die with dignity.' 

'Right up to the end of his life, he continued to search for further ways to help people to exercise their right to freedom of choice and self-determination in their "final matters" – and he often found them,' Dignitas said. 

As of 2024, the organisation had helped more than 4,000 people to end their lives.  

In 2023 he told the Financial Times how he was still 'working all day and half the night' at the age of 90. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.