Euthanasia capsule: Arrests for first woman to use it – 2024-09-27 03:50:48

There has been an uproar in Switzerland after a 64-year-old woman took her own life using it Sarco capsule. It is essentially a suicide capsule that has been invented for almost seven years.

Police in Switzerland have made multiple arrests and are investigating all details of the case. Police in the Schaffhausen region said they had arrested “several people” on suspicion of incitement, as well as aiding and abetting suicide.

Assisted killing is legally protected in some cases in Switzerland, is strictly regulated, and Sarco’s capsule has met with backlash. Officers found the device and the body at the crime scene.

When was it created and by whom?

• The Sarco capsule (also known as ‘Pegasos’ and ‘suicide capsule’) is a euthanasia device or machine consisting of a 3D-printed detachable capsule mounted on a base containing a container of liquid nitrogen to die by suicide by asphyxiation with inert gas. Sarco was invented by euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke in 2017.

Why was it called that?

• “Sarco” is short for “sarcophagus”. After all, its shape refers to a sarcophagus.

How does the Sarco pod

• According to Philip Nitschke the capsule reduces the oxygen levels inside it while maintaining a low level of carbon dioxide. On activation, 4 liters of liquid nitrogen causes the oxygen level to quietly drop to less than 5% in about a minute. According to Nietzsche: “The passenger presses the button and the capsule is filled with nitrogen. He will feel a little dizzy, but then he will quickly lose consciousness and die.”