fbpx

Arrests After ‘Suicide Capsule’ Used For 1st Time In Switzerland

Arrests After 'Suicide Capsule' Used For 1st Time In Switzerland
Sep 26 2024 Share

TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS SUICIDE

Swiss police have arrested several individuals after the “Sarco” capsule, a controversial assisted suicide device, was used for the first time in the northern canton of Schaffhausen.

The incident occurred in a forest in Merishausen on Monday. Prosecutors have launched criminal proceedings against those involved, accusing them of aiding and abetting suicide.

Among those arrested was Florian Willet, co-president of The Last Resort, the group behind the capsule. The deceased was a 64-year-old American woman with a severely compromised immune system, who had passed psychiatric evaluations before her death.

Willet, the only person present when the woman died, described the death as “peaceful, fast, and dignified.” The Sarco capsule, designed by Australian physician Philip Nitschke, induces death by releasing nitrogen gas, reducing oxygen levels to a lethal point.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, making it a destination for those seeking to end their lives on their own terms. However, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider stated that the capsule does not comply with product safety laws, particularly due to its use of nitrogen.

The Sarco’s introduction has sparked significant media attention and debate about its legal and ethical implications.

If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts or need mental help assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

#MaltaDaily

Luca Vella Wins Garmin Malta Open Water Swimming Competition

Sep 26 2024 Share

Nearly 100 swimmers enjoyed near-perfect weather conditions during the Garmin Malta-Gozo-Malta and Garmin Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Competitions, held over the weekend.

After a year’s break, the highly anticipated channel swim attracted a strong field of both local and international competitors.

In the 11km Malta-Gozo-Malta race, Luca Vella claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 1 second. Vella, the reigning Open Water Swimming National Champion, is well-known for his dominance in the local open water scene.

This marked his first attempt at this distance, where he maintained a solid lead ahead of runner-up Ioannis Koumarelas and third-placed Bernard Farrugia, who achieved a personal best. Rosalia Segarra, the sole female competitor in this category, completed the race in 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 11 seconds.

On the day there was also a 6km Gozo-Malta race which attracted a diverse mix of Maltese and international athletes.

In Category A, reserved for individual swimmers without an escort boat, Jonathan Sammut took first place, finishing in 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 54 seconds.

He was closely followed by John Scicluna, with Blue Whittaker securing third. On the women’s side, Nicola Lee claimed the top spot with a time of 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 19 seconds, followed by Lisa Hibberd in second and Lisa Mische Lawson in third.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese Heading To USA On 2nd Basketball Scholarship

Maltese Heading To USA On 2nd Basketball Scholarship
Sep 26 2024 Share

Maltese basketball player Nelly Lee Pace will continue his journey in the United States after securing a scholarship to play for Benedictine University Mesa in the NAIA.

Following a season at Ascending Life Prep school in Arizona, Pace returns to the U.S. to play in the highly competitive Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) under coach Frank Woodford.

His path to success includes three years at Sheffield College in the UK, which Pace credits for helping him secure six scholarship offers, ultimately choosing BenU Redhawks.

Pace expressed with Malta Basketball that playing collegiate basketball in the U.S. has been his dream since childhood, despite being told it was unattainable in Malta. Overcoming these odds has been significant for him, especially after five consecutive years of sacrifices, including time away from his family during winters.

Looking forward to his freshman season, Pace’s primary goal is to help his team win games. He is optimistic about contributing to the team’s success this season and building on that as he advances in his college career. He encouraged other Maltese athletes to stay determined and focus on their goals, believing that they know what’s best for their own futures.

#MaltaDaily

Prime Minister Addresses United Nations In New York

Prime Minister Addresses United Nations In New York
Sep 26 2024 Share

“We cannot go back on the commitments we’ve made together, and we must stay focused on achieving a clean economic operation that leads to the goal of reducing global temperatures by 1.5 degrees, in line with the Paris Agreement,” emphasised Prime Minister Robert Abela. He made these remarks while addressing a High-Level Plenary Meeting of the United Nations during the General Assembly in New York.

The meeting, focused on rising sea levels, was also addressed by the President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, and UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. Highlighting that this phenomenon poses a real threat, including to the Mediterranean region, Prime Minister Abela acknowledged that even if countries worldwide adhere to plans to counter global warming, the issue of rising sea levels will remain a significant challenge. He stressed that collective action is crucial, as this is a threat to humanity as a whole.

The Maltese Prime Minister pointed out that this challenge impacts everyone, including economically. He underlined that small nations, particularly islands like Malta, are on the front line of facing this issue more immediately. Abela noted that during Malta’s current two-year term as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, it has placed climate change, specifically the rise in sea levels, at the forefront of its agenda. He expressed his satisfaction that Malta has played a key role in ensuring this issue remains a top priority for the United Nations.

Dr. Abela reiterated Malta’s commitment to advancing serious discussions on tackling rising sea levels. “We must act together today, not tomorrow,” the Prime Minister urged. He emphasized the need for a strong legal framework at the international level to address this phenomenon, especially given the varying interests of different countries.”

#MaltaDaily