Forced suicide

Forced suicide is a method of execution where the victim is coerced into committing suicide to avoid facing an alternative option they perceive as much worse, such as suffering torture or having friends or family members imprisoned or tortured. Another common form historically has been deliberately providing a condemned individual with a weapon and a brief period in which to commit honorable suicide if they choose before they are executed. Becaus... more

Forced suicide is a method of execution where the victim is coerced into committing suicide to avoid facing an alternative option they perceive as much worse, such as suffering torture or having friends or family members imprisoned or tortured. Another common form historically has been deliberately providing a condemned individual with a weapon and a brief period in which to commit honorable suicide if they choose before they are executed. Because the victim's cause of death would be registered as suicide, the act also carries an addition benefit as black propaganda against individuals for whom an open execution would generate unwanted attention due to their position or influence. Forced suicide was a common means of execution in ancient Greece and Rome. As a mark of respect it was generally reserved for aristocrats sentenced to death; the victims would either drink hemlock or fall on their swords. Economic motivations promoted some suicides in ancient Rome. A person who was condemned... less