Swiss authorities have arrested several individuals following the use of a controversial capsule designed for assisted suicide, known as the “Sarco,” which was deployed for the first time in a forest in Merishausen, Schaffhausen. The capsule, which allows occupants to end their lives by releasing nitrogen gas, resulted in the death of a 64-year-old American woman suffering from a severe immune condition.
Police have opened criminal proceedings against multiple people involved in aiding the suicide, although the exact number of detainees has not been confirmed. Among those arrested is Florian Willet, co-president of The Last Resort, the group behind the Sarco capsule. Willet, along with three others, including a Dutch journalist, were detained in connection with the case.
The Last Resort stated that the woman had undergone psychiatric evaluations prior to her death, and described the event as “peaceful, fast, and dignified.” The capsule, designed by Australian physician Philip Nitschke, has sparked widespread debate about its safety and legality. Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider criticized the device, stating it does not comply with Swiss product safety laws due to its use of nitrogen.
Switzerland, known for its permissive assisted suicide laws, continues to face legal and ethical discussions around the use of such technologies.