Swiss Police have detained several individuals and opened a criminal case following a suspected death in a new “suicide capsule” in northern Switzerland.
The “Sarco” capsule, designed for assisted suicide, injects nitrogen gas into a sealed chamber, causing death by suffocation. Prosecutors were notified of an incident involving the Sarco near a forest cabin on Monday.
Several individuals were apprehended on suspicion of incitement and being accessories to suicide. Swiss law allows assisted suicide under certain conditions.
However, unlike euthanasia, Switzerland does not permit healthcare providers to administer lethal injections. The country has organizations dedicated to helping people end their lives legally.
Despite concerns over legal loopholes, groups like Exit International developed the Sarco, a 3D-printed device costing over $1 million. The device was recently used in a peaceful death near the German border.
While Switzerland faces legal challenges regarding the Sarco’s use, advocates like Dr. Philip Nitschke maintain that the device offers a dignified end for those who choose assisted suicide.
Although there are criticisms and legal complexities surrounding the use of the Sarco capsule, it remains a poignant topic of discussion in the realm of assisted suicide and end-of-life decisions.