Creator of Suicide Capsule Denies Foul Play

Philip Nitschke, the Australian right-to-die activist and creator of the 'Sarco' suicide capsule, has vehemently denied allegations that a U.S. woman who was the first user may have been strangled. The incident took place in Switzerland, where the woman died on September 23. Nitschke, who observed the event via video, maintains that the device functioned as intended, allowing the woman to self-administer nitrogen gas to induce death. The head of a Swiss affiliate of Exit International, Florian Willet, was present and remains in police custody, while several others initially detained were released. Nitschke expressed concern for Willet’s situation, which could lead to a lengthy legal process. The controversy has sparked questions about the legality and ethics surrounding assisted dying in Switzerland, a country known for its permissive stance on such practices.