Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, has died. The organisation confirmed his death was through assisted suicide.
Minelli passed away on Saturday, just days before what would have been his 93rd birthday. He established Dignitas in 1998.
In an official statement, Dignitas pledged to continue its work in accordance with its founder’s principles. The organisation will continue to operate as a “professional and combative international organisation for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life.”
Minelli was a lawyer by profession. His career involved numerous legal challenges related to assisted dying.
Dignitas founder dies by assisted suicide aged 92, group says https://t.co/GTkfMmKSz0
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 30, 2025He successfully argued several landmark cases. These appeals went before the Swiss supreme court and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Dignitas credits Minelli’s work with having a lasting impact on Swiss law. The organisation specifically cited a pivotal 2011 ECHR ruling.
That decision recognised an individual’s right to decide the manner and time of their own death. This legal victory was a significant milestone for the right-to-die movement.
Swiss law makes a clear distinction between different end-of-life actions. Euthanasia, where a doctor or another person administers a lethal substance, is not permitted.
However, assisted dying has been legal for decades. This practice involves a person who has articulated a wish to die committing the final lethal act themselves. Dignitas distinguishes itself by offering its services to international clients. The organisation reports a membership of over 10,000 people.
