Swiss police detain many for suspected death in 'suicide capsule'
BERNE, Switzerland: Swiss police have detained several individuals following a suspected death involving the use of a controversial “suicide capsule.”
Authorities in northern Switzerland confirmed that a criminal investigation has been opened in relation to the incident.
The capsule, known as “Sarco,” is reportedly designed to allow individuals to end their lives by pressing a button that releases nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. The person inside is meant to fall asleep and die from suffocation within minutes. This is believed to be the first time the device has been used in such a case.
The capsule was developed by Exit International, an assisted suicide advocacy group based in the Netherlands. The organization claims the 3D-printed device took over $1 million to create.
While assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, the law stipulates that individuals must take their own life without “external assistance,” and anyone assisting must not have a “self-serving motive,” according to Swiss government guidelines.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the identities of those detained or the specifics of the investigation.