Who is Alain Cocq? Facebook blocks terminally ill Frenchman determined to live-stream his death
The French citizen Alain Cocq, for a long time, has been requesting the authorities to allow him to die at peace by approving his medically assisted death. On September 4, he posted a video from his bed and said that he was having his last drink, after which he would stop consuming anything until his death, which he planned to live stream on Facebook.
Who is Alain Cocq and why is he requesting a mercy killing?
Cocq is a 57-year-old former plumber from Dijon in eastern France, who suffers from a medical condition that causes his arteries to stick together, resulting in immense pain. He had previously written to President of France Emmanuel Macron, urging him to consider his request for euthanasia. He wrote in the letter, "I would like to make it clear to you that on this day I find myself in a situation of having on sound mind, confined in a dysfunctional body, crippled by suffering.”
"Would you withstand, Mr President, having your intestines emptied into a pouch, having your bladder emptied into a pouch and that you are fed by a pouch, that a third party must bathe you, to be crippled by unbearable pain?"
He concluded his letter emphasizing “I simply ask to leave with dignity, with active medical assistance”. Although the president was reportedly "moved" by Cocq’s letter, the request was denied. Macron wrote in response to Cocq’s letter, "Because I am not above the law, I am not able to comply with your request” before adding "I cannot ask anyone to go beyond our current legal framework. Your wish is to request active assistance in dying which is not currently permitted in our country."
On Friday night, after sharing the video in which he said he was having his “last drink”, Cocq’s live streaming feature was blocked by Facebook. In an email to The Verge, a spokesperson for Facebook, Emily Cain, noted that their “hearts go out to Alain Cocq and those who are affected by this sad situation”. However, the social media site had to stop Cocq from live streaming his own death as the website does “not allow the depiction of suicide attempts.” Cocq has reportedly told Agence France-Press that he would find another way to post his live stream video.
The former plumber who has been suffering for over 34 years from the disease and has had multiple surgeries believes that he has less than a week to live and is determined to live-stream his own death on Facebook. He reportedly said, “I know the days ahead are going to be very difficult. But I have taken my decision and I am serene.” He further noted that he would rather die than watch the “degradation” of his own body.
According to Metro UK, he noted, “I am going to stop hydrating myself when I turn off the lights. Given my general condition, it’s likely to be quick, which is what I hope for, because I’m not a masochist. The path to my deliverance is starting and, believe me, I am happy about it. To those I won’t see again, I say goodbye. Such is life.”