In Switzerland, several people have been arrested after using a controversial suicide booth. Criminal proceedings will be initiated against them for “incitement and aiding and abetting suicide,” said the public prosecutor in Schaffhausen, Peter Sticher. If convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to five years.
The “Sarco” suicide capsule was used on Monday near a forest hut in Merishausen near the German border, police said. Emergency services secured it and took the deceased to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Zurich for an autopsy.
“Sarco” suicide capsule used without permission from authorities
The device is said to have never been used before. Someone inside the sealed capsule can release nitrogen gases by pressing a button. This causes them to fall asleep and die within a few minutes from lack of oxygen.
Assisted suicide is permitted in Switzerland if the helpers cannot be accused of selfish motives. There are several assisted suicide organizations in Switzerland. However, the Swiss authorities consider the “Sarco” device – named after the sarcophagus – to be illegal.
Euthanasia organization: peaceful, quick and dignified death
The Netherlands-based euthanasia organization Exit International says it was behind the development of the capsule. It explained that a 64-year-old US citizen who suffered from a “severe immune deficiency” killed herself in the capsule. The only other person present was the co-president of the Swiss euthanasia organization Last Resort, Florian Willet. Last Resort described the death as “peaceful, quick and dignified.”
Since Last Resort announced that it wanted to use the device in Switzerland, there have been heated discussions in Switzerland. On Monday, Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider gave two reasons in parliament why the capsule was not legal: firstly, it did not meet product safety regulations and therefore could not be placed on the market. And secondly, the use of nitrogen in the capsule was not compatible with the purpose laid down for it in the Chemicals Act.
