Swiss Authorities Probe Assisted Suicide Using Controversial Capsule

Authorities in Switzerland have detained several individuals and opened a criminal investigation into the use of a 'suicide capsule' known as Sarco. This device allows a person to die by suffocation through self-administration of nitrogen gas. The case raises legal and ethical questions regarding assisted suicide in the country.

Authorities in Switzerland have intensively detained several people and initiated a criminal investigation into a suspected assisted suicide involving the use of a controversial 'suicide capsule' known as Sarco.

Prosecutors in Schaffhausen canton were alerted that an assisted death had occurred using the Sarco capsule near a forest cabin in Merishausen. The Sarco device allows individuals to self-administer nitrogen gas, leading to death by suffocation within minutes.

Police confirmed that multiple individuals are in custody, facing allegations of incitement and accessory to suicide. Exit International, the group behind Sarco, has maintained that the device complies with Swiss assisted suicide laws, although legal opinions vary, and further prosecutions are possible.

(With inputs from agencies.)