A Christian charity has expressed concern over the case of David Hunter, a man freed after killing his wife, who had a terminal illness.
The 76 year-old admitted suffocating Janice in 2021, after she “begged him” to end her life at the couple's Cyprus home in December 2021.
He received two years behind bars, but was released immediately because of time already served.
The British pensioner was tried at a court in Paphos, Cyprus.
He, his lawyers and his family are pleased with the verdict.
Speaking outside the court, Hunter said: "I would like to say thank you to all the people who donated to me and especially my mates, my workmates, I don't know where I'd be without them.
"I can't describe [how I am feeling]. I wish I could find words to describe it but I can't.
"When you're under that pressure for two years, wondering which way it was going to go, you don't know," he said.
Hunter’s daughter, Lesley Crowthorne told Sky News she was “elated, stunned and deeply grateful” following his release.
However, the case has sparked concern amongst groups campaigning against euthanasia.
Commenting on the case, Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, said: “We're concerned by the narrative surrounding this case, which involves the violent death of a vulnerable woman.
"Janice Hunter became distressed after being diagnosed with cancer. She needed specialist support. Finding this would have been the compassionate response by David Hunter.
"Some groups are using this case to campaign for ‘assisted dying’. They claim that it shows the need for this controversial practice to be legal in the UK.
“Their argument is based on the premise that people with serious illnesses face a binary choice between suffering and death. This idea is false, and dangerous.
“Holistic palliative care meets the needs of dying people, including in the most difficult circumstances.
“Our national conversation needs to focus on how we improve care, not keep returning to assisted suicide. The experience of countries like Canada shows that assisted suicide is a Pandora's Box."
