Several people taken into custody after suicide pod used for first time

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

Today (24 September) police in northern Switzerland confirmed that 'several people' have been arrested after a controversial 'suicide pod' has been used for the first time.

A criminal case has also been opened in connection with the suspected death of the first person to use the Sarco pod.

The pod allows the person inside to push a button that then fills the pod with nitrogen gas. It is understood that after this action, the person inside the pod will pass away within a few minutes.

Police said in a statement: "The public prosecutor's office of the canton of Schaffhausen was informed on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 4:40 p.m. by a law firm that an assisted suicide with the Sarco capsule had taken place in the afternoon at a forest hut in Merishausen.

Sarco pod founder Dr Philip Nitschke (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

"As a result, the Schaffhausen police, including the forensic emergency service, and the public prosecutor's office of the canton of Schaffhausen went to the scene of the crime.

"In addition, specialists from the Forensic Institute Zurich (FOR) and the Institute of Legal Medicine Zurich (IRMZ) were called in. The Sarco suicide capsule was secured and the deceased person was taken to the IRMZ for an autopsy.

"In addition, several people in the Merishausen area were taken into police custody. The public prosecutor's office is also investigating the violation of other criminal offences."

As a result, prosecutors have opened an investigation on suspicion of incitement and accessory to suicide.

The presumption of innocence applies.

The creator of the Sarco pod is Dr Philip Nitschke, who is also the founder of pro-euthanasia group Exit International.

The Sarco pod is a 3D printed capsule, explicitly designed for use in assisted suicide.

The Sarco pod prior to first use (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Swiss law and to Article 115 of the penal code, individuals can assist in another person's suicide as long as the motive for doing so is not 'selfish' - which is the exact word that public prosecutor Peter Sticher previously used to describe Nitschke's motivations for the creation of the pod.

On 10 June, Nitschke explained in an online forum that the pod can be towed anywhere in the world.

He stated: "It can be in an idyllic outdoor setting or on the premises of an assisted-suicide organisation, for example,” and added that he planned to bring the Sarco pod to the United Kingdom.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.

LADbible Group have approached Dr Philip Nitschke and The Last Resort for comment.