Geneva, Switzerland - A heated controversy surrounds the "Sarco" capsule, the assisted death device created by right-to-die activist Philip Nitschke and used for the first time by a 64-year-old U.S. woman on September 23. Allegations have emerged, claiming she may have been strangled rather than dying through the intended process of the capsule. Addressing these allegations, Nitschke has vehemently dismissed them as "absurd."
Nitschke, who heads Exit International, the organization behind the capsule development, did not attend the event personally but stated he witnessed the procedure via live video feed. "The device worked as planned," he asserted. Florian Willet, who leads the Swiss affiliate known as The Last Resort, was present at the woman's death and has been taken by police for questioning. Alongside him, several others, including journalists, faced initial detention but were later released.
Just weeks after this significant event, the attention around the Sarco device intensified following reports indicating fears surrounding the nature of the woman's death. On October 26, the Volkskrant, a Dutch newspaper, reported the Swiss prosecutor's claims during court proceedings concerning potential strangulation. Amidst this turmoil, Nitschke expressed urgency amid fears for Willet, who could face extended detention.
"We've got to try and do something about the fact Florian has been stuck in prison now for about 58 days," stated Nitschke. He revealed plans to assist the investigation by sharing video evidence from the capsule's use, insisting everything was conducted within legal parameters set by Swiss legislation.
According to Nitschke, the Sarco, which took $1 million to develop, operates by allowing users to press a button to release nitrogen gas, effectively leading to unconsciousness and death by suffocation. This self-administered option is legal under certain conditions outlined by Swiss law, which stipulates no external assistance and no self-serving motives involved.
Nitschke reiterated the capsule's intended design and operation, quoting: "It is absurd because we've got film showing the capsule wasn’t opened. The woman climbed inside herself, closed the lid without help, and pressed the button to release the nitrogen herself. She lost consciousness and died after about six minutes."
The woman’s identity remains withheld, but Nitschke disclosed her medical condition, mentioning she had compromised immune function and was subject to chronic infections. He stressed the legality of the procedure as maintained by Exit International's Swiss lawyers, who had advised on the appropriate usage of the capsule beforehand.
Following the woman's death, authorities confiscated the operational Sarco device. Nitschke has confirmed another version is under production, but he aims to clarify the legal standing and operational protocols before any future use.
This incident has raised discussions about assisted suicide's ethical and legal frameworks, particularly within Switzerland—a country recognized for its progressive approach allowing foreign nationals to seek assistance for dying. The scrutiny from prosecutors and media emphasizes the precarious balance between legal practices and the sensitive issue of end-of-life decisions.
Soon after this event garnered attention, more individuals began questioning the validity and safety of the Sarco capsule. Such investigations could have extensive legal repercussions for Exit International and similar organizations promoting assisted dying technologies. The legal ramifications may set precedents not only for the use of the Sarco but also for the future of assisted suicide legislation worldwide.
Therefore, as the investigation progresses, the world watches closely, waiting to see how this legal storm will reshape discussions around assisted death practices and their place within modern healthcare ethics.
