International
Switzerland’s new portable suicide ‘pod’ set to claim its first life ‘soon’
From LifeSiteNews
In what feels like a dystopian movie, Switzerland’s new portable death “pod” to allow people to kill themselves is on track to claim its first victim this year.
In a July 16 press conference, Florian Willet, chief executive of pro-euthanasia organization The Last Resort, announced that Switzerland will “soon” use its portable suicide pod to end a life for the first time.
“Since we have people indeed queueing up, asking to use the Sarco, it’s very likely that it will take place pretty soon,” Willet said, eerily describing it as a “beautiful way” to die.
The pod is called Sarco, short for sarcophagus, the name of the coffins in which ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried. The futuristic-looking 3D-printed capsule was first unveiled in 2019 for assisted suicide in Switzerland but was met with controversy.
It’s founder, Philip Nitschke, who has been nicknamed “Dr. Death” for his attempt to “glamorize” suicides, explained how the pod works in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post.
Once a person is inside the pod, they are asked who they are, where they are and if they know what happens when they press the button.
The death in the pod can also be activated by a button, gesture, voice control, or blink of the eye for those who cannot vocally or physically communicate due to severe illness or mobility issues.
After they answer, a voice says, “If you want to die press this button.” Once the button is pressed, the pod is flooded with nitrogen causing the oxygen to plummet from 21 per cent to 0.05 per cent in the air in less than 30 seconds.
“They will then stay in that state of unconsciousness for … around about five minutes before death will take place,” Nitschke explained.
However, he warned that, “Once you press that button, there’s no way of going back.”
The death inside the pod is filmed, and the footage is handed to a coroner.
The push to debut the pod this year comes after the pod was banned earlier this month after prosecutors questioned the legality and ethics of the pod, pointing out that it is unclear who is responsible for the death and who operates the pod.
Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide since 1942, with its only requirements being that the person freely chooses death, is of sound mind, and that their decision is not motivated by selfish reasons.
The county’s broad euthanasia policy has made it a tourist attraction from those around the world who wish to end their lives.
In addition to the legal question of who is responsible for the death, pro-life organizations have condemned the pods for trivializing death and undermining the dignity of life.
“Philip Nitschke’s device has been condemned by a broad range of commentators,” James Mildred, director of engagement for pro-life organization Christian Action Research and Education (CARE), said.
“Many people feel that it trivialises, and even glamourises, suicide,” he explained.
“We believe that suicide is a tragedy that good societies seek to prevent in every circumstance,” Mildred continued. “There are ethical ways to help human beings that don’t involve the destruction of life.”
Daily Caller
‘There Will Be Very Serious Retaliation’: Two American Servicemen, Interpreter Killed In Syrian Attack
From the Daily Caller News Foundation
Two U.S. Army soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed in a Saturday attack in Syria, the Department of War announced.
Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon, announced the three deaths in a statement posted to X, adding that three others were wounded. The attack occurred as the U.S. soldiers were conducting a “key leader engagement,” Parnell stated.
The soldiers’ mission was “in support of on-going counter-ISIS/counter-terrorism operations in the region,” Parnell wrote. The attack occurred in an area Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not have control, Fox News reported, citing a Pentagon official.
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“The soldiers’ names, as well as identifying information about their units, are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin notification,” he continued. “This attack is currently under active investigation.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a Saturday statement posted on X that the “savage” who perpetrated the attack was “killed by partner forces.”
“Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the U.S. will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,” Hegseth wrote.
U.S. and Syrian forces came under attack Saturday amid a joint patrol near Palmyra, The New York Times reported, citing Syrian state news agency SANA. U.S. Central Command also confirmed the deaths in a Saturday X post, but noted additional updates about the incident will be provided as they become available.
President Trump responded to the attack on Truth Social:
We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well. This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Tyler Robinson walked into a packed Provo courtroom Thursday looking nothing like a man facing a potential firing squad. The 22-year-old accused of murdering conservative leader Charlie Kirk during a Utah Valley University event sat at the defense table in a blue button-down and tie, trading quiet laughs with his attorneys as his family watched from the gallery. It was the first time the public had seen Robinson in person since the September 10 shooting that stunned the country, when Kirk — a 31-year-old father of two and a driving force behind a new generation of young conservatives — was gunned down in front of thousands.
Judge Tony Graf allowed cameras to film only part of Thursday’s hearing before moving into a closed session to hear arguments over whether the media should be barred from future proceedings. Robinson’s attorneys insist that cameras could influence potential jurors, a claim that has been echoed by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. Graf agreed to a limited compromise, cutting the feed for the internal debate but reopening the courtroom afterward. Even Robinson’s own family — his father, mother, and brother — were temporarily removed during the closed-door portion despite defense requests to keep them inside.
Suspected Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson seen smirking, laughing in his first public court appearance. pic.twitter.com/4MXrWSoAlB
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) December 11, 2025
Through it all, Robinson appeared almost relaxed. He smiled, whispered what looked like joking comments to his lawyers, and maintained a calm demeanor that stood in stark contrast to the charges he’s facing: aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors say Robinson shot Kirk once in the neck with a bolt-action rifle as Kirk spoke onstage, then slipped away as stunned students rushed to help. Videos of the attack ricocheted across social media within minutes, fueling national outrage and triggering a manhunt.
The break in the case came 33 hours later, when Robinson’s own father turned him in after images of the suspected shooter circulated online. Investigators say Robinson later admitted the killing in text messages to a trans live-in partner and even described where he hid the rifle. He has not yet entered a plea.
Robinson fought successfully to appear in civilian clothing — a request Judge Graf granted in an earlier remote hearing — but the court ordered him to remain shackled for safety reasons, with instructions that the restraints not be filmed. Meanwhile, Erika Kirk, the widow of the slain Turning Point USA co-founder, has been adamant that cameras stay in place, arguing the public deserves to see the man accused of executing her husband in broad daylight.
If convicted, Robinson faces the death penalty — by firing squad, the method allowed under Utah law.
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