Southampton woman calls on the UK to work with other countries to tackle online forums
Mia-Helena Knight Nikolin Caisley's brother, Vladimir, took his own life after accessing one of the forums
A Southampton woman whose brother took his own life is calling on the UK to work with other countries across the world in tackling online forums assisting in suicides.
It comes after a man was jailed for 14 years yesterday for selling substances online to and assisting in people's suicides through online forums.
Mia-Helena Knight Nikolin Caisley's brother, Vladimir, took his own life after accessing one of the forums.
She said: "This online space was filled with online predators who had some sadistic enjoyment from people contemplating the end of their lives."
Ms Knight Nikolin Caisley's been campaigning for the forums to be taken down since her brother's death in 2024.
She tells us it's good action's being taken but it needs to happen globally.
She said: "I feel hope about this more so knowing that things are happening in this country.
"But until things start happening internationally, I'm going to feel as though there's only so much we can do.
"I feel that more can be done by the government to ensure international cooperation in relation to what's going on.
"A lot of the people are purchasing poisons from abroad, so it's very difficult."
The government have issued a statement.
It said: "The law is clear: platforms must prevent illegal suicide and self-harm content and protect children from harmful material.
“The government backs Ofcom all the way to go after anyone who fails to comply with British law.
"The regulator has already taken enforcement action, and some harmful forums have since withdrawn access to UK users.
"More action will follow if they put British people in danger.”