US criticises Spain over woman's euthanasia

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WASHINGTON DC:  The United States has formally called on Spain to investigate the euthanasia of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo, marking the latest diplomatic friction between the Trump administration and the left-led European nation. 

Castillo, who was left paralysed following a suicide attempt after a sexual assault, died by choice in a hospital on Thursday after winning a legal battle against her father, who had sought to block the procedure.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, Riley Barnes, described the case as a tragedy, stating that ‘every life is sacred’ and that authorities must investigate the circumstances of the death. 

While several U.S. states allow assisted suicide for the terminally ill, the U.S. does not permit active euthanasia, where a medical professional directly administers the end-of-life treatment. 

The criticism reflects broader tensions between President Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has been an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy and has recently refused to allow U.S. military jets to use NATO bases in Spain for operations in the Middle East.