The 32-year-old Rifka was found dead in her home in Bodegraven on November 25, 2021. She had taken a suicide drug. Shortly after her death, a man from Breda contacted Rifkas family by letter, claiming he had supported her in the weeks leading up to her death. They had never met or spoken, but he had provided her help and advice via WhatsApp. He is suspected of assisting and inciting suicide.

The suspect offered himself as a counselor on the forum of the Cooperative Last Will. This is how the woman from Bodegraven found him and they had intensive contact via messaging for over three weeks starting November 7. Their chat spans 112 pages on paper. The conversation is confronting and heartbreaking, stated the prosecutor.

Instructing and isolating

Rifka sought, ordered, and took the suicide drug Substance X by herself. The suspect played no role in that. However, the chat history shows how he encouraged her, meticulously instructed her, isolated her, and took control over the process at times. He praised the drug, persuaded her not to use another method, and gave her tips about alternative ways to commit suicide. Just fifteen minutes after their first contact, their conversation already turned to this topic, followed by step-by-step instructions on how to take Substance X and prepare for it.

The suspect also criticized caregivers and tried to keep her away from them. They only think of themselves, was his message, not about what you want. The suspect idealized death and pushed Rifka further whenever she had doubts: You are doing great, You will get through this, You have come far and are on the right track to your goal.

Closed doors

The man is suspected of inciting suicide; so far, it is known that only one person has been prosecuted for this before (and was acquitted). Therefore, the boundaries are not previously established in such explicit terms. It is essential for the judge in this case to make a ruling. The Public Prosecution Service believes the suspect went too far in his encouragement.

In the contact with Rifka, he did not prioritize the right to life. He constrained her ability to change her mind. By continually supporting her, he deprived her of the chance to reconsider her decision and choose another path. The suspect closed doors that should have remained open. He kept her on one course and directed her in the suicide process.

Sentence demand

The Public Prosecution Service demanded a prison sentence of 14 months for assisting and inciting suicide, of which 7 months are conditional with a probation period of 3 years. The court will rule in two weeks.

Are you thinking about suicide? Then contact 0800-0113 for free and anonymous support 24/7 or chat at 113.nl.