PAU, France (AFP) - A French doctor who ended the lives of seven terminally-ill patients was acquitted on Wednesday after a long, emotionally-charged trial that has revived the highly divisive debate on euthanasia.

The judge in the southwestern city of Pau announced that Nicolas Bonnemaison "was acquitted of all charges" against him, prompting thunderous applause in the courtroom as the emergency room doctor smiled, holding his lawyer's hand.