After Israel launched deadly preemptive airstrikes on Iranian soil, Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador to deliver a stern warning to the United States, accusing it of backing the attack.“It is unthinkable that the Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran were carried out without cooperation, coordination, and at least a green light from the US, and in this regard, the US must be held accountable for its illegal behaviour,” an Iranian official told Swiss envoy Nadine Lozano, as reported by state media outlet IRNA.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-iran-trump-hints-israeli-strikes-came-because-iran-didn-t-make-a-deal-offers-tehran-second-chance-1749818143256">‘Gave Iran a 60 days, today is day 61’: Trump hints Israeli strikes came because Iran didn't 'make a deal', offers Tehran&nbsp;second&nbsp;chance</a>Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.<h2>Why Switzerland represents the US in Iran?</h2>But why was Switzerland the one receiving Iran’s message instead of a US diplomat?The answer lies in decades of broken ties. The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, following the Iranian revolution and the US embassy hostage crisis. In the absence of direct contact, Switzerland has acted as the official channel for US interests in Iran.Switzerland’s role as a “protecting power” allows it to act as a diplomatic bridge between countries that no longer have formal ties. This includes passing diplomatic messages, managing consular services, and occasionally mediating sensitive issues like prisoner exchanges.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-iran-inside-operation-rising-lion-israel-smuggled-drones-weapons-into-iran-before-launching-strikes-1749825819100">‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion</a>The Swiss embassy in Tehran handles services such as passport applications, civil status changes, and assistance for US citizens inside Iran.According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, protecting power mandates allow “states to maintain low-level relations and provide consular protection to nationals of the other state concerned.” Switzerland can take on this role either by request or through mutual agreement.<h2>Switzerland’s history of neutrality and diplomacy</h2>Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality has made it a trusted mediator in many global conflicts. During World War II, it represented the interests of 35 countries, including several of the warring powers. It also represented US interests in Cuba until 2015, and currently represents Iran in Egypt and Canada.Switzerland has long facilitated dialogue between Iran and the US, especially during tense moments. It helped mediate several prisoner swaps in recent years and has played a behind-the-scenes role in easing diplomatic friction.Iran’s interests in the United States, meanwhile, are represented by Pakistan.<h2>Israeli strike heightens tensions in the region</h2>The diplomatic back-and-forth came after Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities in a preemptive strike. Explosions rocked Tehran and several high-ranking Iranian commanders were killed, including armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, and top adviser Ali Shamkhani.Iran has labelled the Israeli attack a “declaration of war” and has turned to the UN Security Council for action.

Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.

After Israel launched deadly preemptive airstrikes on Iranian soil, Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador to deliver a stern warning to the United States, accusing it of backing the attack. “It is unthinkable that the Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran were carried out without cooperation, coordination, and at least a green light from the US, and in this regard, the US must be held accountable for its illegal behaviour,” an Iranian official told Swiss envoy Nadine Lozano, as reported by state media outlet IRNA. Also read: ‘Gave Iran a 60 days, today is day 61’: Trump hints Israeli strikes came because Iran didn't 'make a deal', offers Tehran second chance Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation. Why Switzerland represents the US in Iran? But why was Switzerland the one receiving Iran’s message instead of a US diplomat? The answer lies in decades of broken ties. The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, following the Iranian revolution and the US embassy hostage crisis. In the absence of direct contact, Switzerland has acted as the official channel for US interests in Iran. Switzerland’s role as a “protecting power” allows it to act as a diplomatic bridge between countries that no longer have formal ties. This includes passing diplomatic messages, managing consular services, and occasionally mediating sensitive issues like prisoner exchanges. Also read: ‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion The Swiss embassy in Tehran handles services such as passport applications, civil status changes, and assistance for US citizens inside Iran. According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, protecting power mandates allow “states to maintain low-level relations and provide consular protection to nationals of the other state concerned.” Switzerland can take on this role either by request or through mutual agreement. Switzerland’s history of neutrality and diplomacy Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality has made it a trusted mediator in many global conflicts. During World War II, it represented the interests of 35 countries, including several of the warring powers. It also represented US interests in Cuba until 2015, and currently represents Iran in Egypt and Canada. Switzerland has long facilitated dialogue between Iran and the US, especially during tense moments. It helped mediate several prisoner swaps in recent years and has played a behind-the-scenes role in easing diplomatic friction. Iran’s interests in the United States, meanwhile, are represented by Pakistan. Israeli strike heightens tensions in the region The diplomatic back-and-forth came after Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities in a preemptive strike. Explosions rocked Tehran and several high-ranking Iranian commanders were killed, including armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, and top adviser Ali Shamkhani. Iran has labelled the Israeli attack a “declaration of war” and has turned to the UN Security Council for action.

Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.

Iran summons Swiss envoy, not US, after Israel’s strike: Why Switzerland represents Washington in Tehran? | Explained

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering an American woman who had come to Switzerland to die by assisted suicide using the Sarco pod has taken his own life at the age of 47, de Volkskrant reported. The Sarco suicide pod was used for the first time in September last year by a 64-year-old woman who was "seriously ill." Afterwards, the police arrested the man who was present at the site, claiming they saw strangulation marks on the woman's neck.&nbsp;Dr Florian Willet, co-president of assisted suicide organisation The Last Resort, was in the Swiss forest near Merishausen in the canton of Schaffhausen. However, it was alleged that the suicide pod failed to work and Willet was accused of killing the woman with his hands.&nbsp;He was then placed in pre-trial detention for 70 days before being released in early December 2024. During that time, he was not allowed any contact with people outside the facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strangulation-marks-found-on-neck-of-woman-who-died-in-sarco-suicide-pod-investigators-771602">'Strangulation marks' found on neck of woman who died in Sarco suicide pod: Investigators</a>&nbsp;<h2>Detention “traumatised” Florian Willet</h2>&nbsp;Philip Nitschke, director of Exit International and the inventor of the Sarco, said in a statement that "Florian was a changed man" after being "released suddenly and unexpectedly from pre-trial detention."&nbsp;“Gone was his warm smile and self-confidence. In its place was a man who seemed deeply traumatised by the experience of incarceration and the wrongful accusation of strangulation,” Nitschke said.&nbsp;The statement added, "The prosecution alleged that the Sarco had not worked, and that Florian had strangled the woman instead. This allegation has no foundation."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbian-woman-parasailing-accident-removes-harness-montenegro-1748920060405">Serbian woman panics and unbuckles harness while parasailing, plunges 160 feet to her death</a>&nbsp;He stated that Florian's "spirit was broken" and his "psychiatric discharge report of January 2025 stated that he was suffering from ‘an acute polymorphic psychotic disorder (F23.0)." He had developed serious psychological problems after he was accused of murder, Nitschke said.&nbsp;<h2>Willet went missing, took his own life in Germany</h2>&nbsp;The Last Resort informed that "Florian ‘fell’ from the third floor of his Zurich apartment building" in early 2025, and underwent three months of rehab and surgery.&nbsp;He was reported missing in recent weeks by his friend. Nitschke says he was in touch with Willet over the past few months, but it was "very difficult to really get through to him."&nbsp;"I suspect that the medical authorities in the prison also saw this and that is why he was released so suddenly," Nitschke said.&nbsp;Willet died by suicide on May 5 in Cologne, Germany, with the help of a specialised organisation, according to Exit International. Assisted suicide is legal in the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/11181469">Get help &amp; support for suicide</a> If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information in the above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations. &nbsp;

Dr Florian Willet, co-president of assisted suicide organisation The Last Resort, which created the Sarco pod, died by suicide in Germany. He was reported to be severely traumatised after being accused of murdering the woman who used the pod in September last year.

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering an American woman who had come to Switzerland to die by assisted suicide using the Sarco pod has taken his own life at the age of 47, de Volkskrant reported. The Sarco suicide pod was used for the first time in September last year by a 64-year-old woman who was "seriously ill." Afterwards, the police arrested the man who was present at the site, claiming they saw strangulation marks on the woman's neck. Dr Florian Willet, co-president of assisted suicide organisation The Last Resort, was in the Swiss forest near Merishausen in the canton of Schaffhausen. However, it was alleged that the suicide pod failed to work and Willet was accused of killing the woman with his hands. He was then placed in pre-trial detention for 70 days before being released in early December 2024. During that time, he was not allowed any contact with people outside the facility. Also Read: 'Strangulation marks' found on neck of woman who died in Sarco suicide pod: Investigators Detention “traumatised” Florian Willet Philip Nitschke, director of Exit International and the inventor of the Sarco, said in a statement that "Florian was a changed man" after being "released suddenly and unexpectedly from pre-trial detention." “Gone was his warm smile and self-confidence. In its place was a man who seemed deeply traumatised by the experience of incarceration and the wrongful accusation of strangulation,” Nitschke said. The statement added, "The prosecution alleged that the Sarco had not worked, and that Florian had strangled the woman instead. This allegation has no foundation." Also Read: Serbian woman panics and unbuckles harness while parasailing, plunges 160 feet to her death He stated that Florian's "spirit was broken" and his "psychiatric discharge report of January 2025 stated that he was suffering from ‘an acute polymorphic psychotic disorder (F23.0)." He had developed serious psychological problems after he was accused of murder, Nitschke said. Willet went missing, took his own life in Germany The Last Resort informed that "Florian ‘fell’ from the third floor of his Zurich apartment building" in early 2025, and underwent three months of rehab and surgery. He was reported missing in recent weeks by his friend. Nitschke says he was in touch with Willet over the past few months, but it was "very difficult to really get through to him." "I suspect that the medical authorities in the prison also saw this and that is why he was released so suddenly," Nitschke said. Willet died by suicide on May 5 in Cologne, Germany, with the help of a specialised organisation, according to Exit International. Assisted suicide is legal in the country. Get help & support for suicide If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information in the above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

Dr Florian Willet, co-president of assisted suicide organisation The Last Resort, which created the Sarco pod, died by suicide in Germany. He was reported to be severely traumatised after being accused of murdering the woman who used the pod in September last year.

Man behind Sarco suicide pod takes his own life in Germany with help of 'specialised organisation'

Six people, including five skiers and an alpinist, died in Switzerland over the weekend in accidents in the Alps, officials said Sunday.Rescuers found the bodies of five skiers near Switzerland’s luxury Zermatt resort a day after emergency services were alerted by a group of climbers ascending the Rimpfischhorn—a 4,199-metre peak in the Valais Alps—about several pairs of skis left unattended near the summit.After aerial and ground searches, rescuers recovered the bodies below the summit on the Adler Glacier, Valais local police said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;The five victims were found at varying altitudes on avalanche debris near the Swiss-Italian border.Three bodies were found in one area, and two others were located higher up on a narrow patch of snow, rescue service Air Zermatt said.A fifth pair of skis was later found during the search, confirming that the group had travelled as a party of five. The authorities have not yet formally shared the identities of the five victims.An investigation has been launched to look into the circumstances of the accident.&nbsp;Zermatt is one of the premium Alpine resorts in Switzerland that is visited by affluent British and other European skiers. But the climb to Rimpfischhorn is considered a more advanced expedition. &nbsp;Further north, a 29-year-old alpinist was killed in an avalanche on the Morgenhorn in the Bern canton, while two other climbers caught in the avalanche were rescued and hospitalised with light injuries, police said.The Rimpfischhorn is a 4,199-metre (13,776-foot) mountain that lies east of Zermatt, near the Italian border, and is popular with backcountry skiers.<h2>Air Zermatt rescued four alpinists in a daunting operation</h2>&nbsp;In a separate incident on Friday night, Air Zermatt undertook a challenging mountain rescue on the Fiescherhörner, where four alpinists were stranded amid fog and high winds.The initial evacuation attempt had to be aborted due to adverse weather, but a second attempt just after midnight brought all four to safety.&nbsp;Outdoor sports are a popular pastime in mountainous Switzerland, and accidents are a regular feature of winter.As many as 15 people have been killed in avalanches in the country in the current winter season, between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025, according to the Institute for the Study of Snow and Avalanches.In March 2024, six skiers died, including five of the same family, after being caught in a violent storm in the peaks near Zermatt.

Outdoor sports are a popular pastime in mountainous Switzerland, and accidents are a regular feature of winter. As many as 15 people have been killed in avalanches in the country in the current winter season, between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025.

Six people, including five skiers and an alpinist, died in Switzerland over the weekend in accidents in the Alps, officials said Sunday. Rescuers found the bodies of five skiers near Switzerland’s luxury Zermatt resort a day after emergency services were alerted by a group of climbers ascending the Rimpfischhorn—a 4,199-metre peak in the Valais Alps—about several pairs of skis left unattended near the summit. After aerial and ground searches, rescuers recovered the bodies below the summit on the Adler Glacier, Valais local police said in a statement on Sunday. The five victims were found at varying altitudes on avalanche debris near the Swiss-Italian border. Three bodies were found in one area, and two others were located higher up on a narrow patch of snow, rescue service Air Zermatt said. A fifth pair of skis was later found during the search, confirming that the group had travelled as a party of five. The authorities have not yet formally shared the identities of the five victims. An investigation has been launched to look into the circumstances of the accident. Zermatt is one of the premium Alpine resorts in Switzerland that is visited by affluent British and other European skiers. But the climb to Rimpfischhorn is considered a more advanced expedition. Further north, a 29-year-old alpinist was killed in an avalanche on the Morgenhorn in the Bern canton, while two other climbers caught in the avalanche were rescued and hospitalised with light injuries, police said. The Rimpfischhorn is a 4,199-metre (13,776-foot) mountain that lies east of Zermatt, near the Italian border, and is popular with backcountry skiers. Air Zermatt rescued four alpinists in a daunting operation In a separate incident on Friday night, Air Zermatt undertook a challenging mountain rescue on the Fiescherhörner, where four alpinists were stranded amid fog and high winds. The initial evacuation attempt had to be aborted due to adverse weather, but a second attempt just after midnight brought all four to safety. Outdoor sports are a popular pastime in mountainous Switzerland, and accidents are a regular feature of winter. As many as 15 people have been killed in avalanches in the country in the current winter season, between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025, according to the Institute for the Study of Snow and Avalanches. In March 2024, six skiers died, including five of the same family, after being caught in a violent storm in the peaks near Zermatt.

Outdoor sports are a popular pastime in mountainous Switzerland, and accidents are a regular feature of winter. As many as 15 people have been killed in avalanches in the country in the current winter season, between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025.

Five skiers found dead near Switzerland’s luxury Zermatt resort; climber’s body found

Switzerland’s contentious ban on facial coverings in public, commonly known as the “burqa ban,” took effect on January 1, 2025. The announcement was made by the Federal Council in a statement cited by Reuters on Wednesday. Violators of the law could face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately Rs 96,280). Watch to know more!

Swiss anti-burqa law prohibits facial coverage in public, offenders face an immediate fine

Swiss ‘burqa ban’ comes into effect; offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted in the $2 billion PNB fraud case, is reportedly living in Belgium. India had earlier sought his extradition from Antigua, but authorities now claim he is no longer on the island. Antigua and Barbuda have pledged to assist India in the legal process, while reports suggest Choksi may be planning to move to Switzerland.

Fugitive Mehul Choksi reportedly living in Belgium amid extradition battle

Switzerland has unilaterally decided to suspend the most favoured nation (MFN) clause in its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India. The move comes after the Supreme Court of India's ruling in the Nestle case. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the operations of Indian companies in Switzerland as well as Swiss investments in India.

<h2>Supreme Court’s ruling</h2>

In a statement released on December 11, the Swiss finance department cited the 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court as the reason to remove India’s MFN status.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinsO6n2aaKAxURefUHHYwSCuQQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evms-not-tempered-when-you-win-supreme-court-rejects-plea-seeking-use-of-ballot-papers-779386" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evms-not-tempered-when-you-win-supreme-court-rejects-plea-seeking-use-of-ballot-papers-779386&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinsO6n2aaKAxURefUHHYwSCuQQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">`EVMs not tampered when you win?` Supreme Court rejects plea seeking use of ballot papers</a>

In its ruling, the top court held that the MFN status between the two nations doesn’t apply automatically when a nation joins the Organisation for Economic Co-operation or OECD, especially when India already has a taxation treaty in place with that country.

<h2>History of the case</h2>

The case stems from Lithuania and Colombia joining the OECD grouping, nations with which India had signed tax agreements. Under the OECD, partner nations offer each other 'more favourable' tax treatment under the MFN clause.

Switzerland on the other hand made this assumption that 5 per cent rate for dividends would apply to the India-Switzerland tax treaty under the MFN clause, instead of the 10 per cent rate mentioned in the bilateral treaty. India’s Supreme Court in its ruling said that prior tax treaty should take precedence and not the MFN clause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinsO6n2aaKAxURefUHHYwSCuQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-reviews-controversial-remarks-on-uniform-civil-code-by-justice-yadav-at-vhp-event-782983" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-reviews-controversial-remarks-on-uniform-civil-code-by-justice-yadav-at-vhp-event-782983&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinsO6n2aaKAxURefUHHYwSCuQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Indian Supreme Court reviews controversial remarks on Uniform Civil Code by Justice Yadav at VHP event</a>

In October 2023, while ruling in a case brought against Nestle, the apex court noted that the MFN clause "was not directly applicable in the absence of 'notification' in accordance with Section 90 of the Income Tax Act".

Now, in line with the Supreme Court’s order, Switzerland will start levying a 10 per cent tax (instead of the current 5 per cent) on dividends payable to Indian tax residents and entities who claim refunds for Swiss withholding tax and for Swiss tax residents who claim foreign tax credits.

(With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland has unilaterally decided to suspend the most favoured nation (MFN) clause in its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India. The move comes after the Supreme Court of India's ruling in the Nestle case.

Switzerland has unilaterally decided to suspend the most favoured nation (MFN) clause in its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India. The move comes after the Supreme Court of India's ruling in the Nestle case. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the operations of Indian companies in Switzerland as well as Swiss investments in India. Supreme Court’s ruling In a statement released on December 11, the Swiss finance department cited the 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court as the reason to remove India’s MFN status. Also read: `EVMs not tampered when you win?` Supreme Court rejects plea seeking use of ballot papers In its ruling, the top court held that the MFN status between the two nations doesn’t apply automatically when a nation joins the Organisation for Economic Co-operation or OECD, especially when India already has a taxation treaty in place with that country. History of the case The case stems from Lithuania and Colombia joining the OECD grouping, nations with which India had signed tax agreements. Under the OECD, partner nations offer each other 'more favourable' tax treatment under the MFN clause. Switzerland on the other hand made this assumption that 5 per cent rate for dividends would apply to the India-Switzerland tax treaty under the MFN clause, instead of the 10 per cent rate mentioned in the bilateral treaty. India’s Supreme Court in its ruling said that prior tax treaty should take precedence and not the MFN clause. Also read: Indian Supreme Court reviews controversial remarks on Uniform Civil Code by Justice Yadav at VHP event In October 2023, while ruling in a case brought against Nestle, the apex court noted that the MFN clause "was not directly applicable in the absence of 'notification' in accordance with Section 90 of the Income Tax Act". Now, in line with the Supreme Court’s order, Switzerland will start levying a 10 per cent tax (instead of the current 5 per cent) on dividends payable to Indian tax residents and entities who claim refunds for Swiss withholding tax and for Swiss tax residents who claim foreign tax credits. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland suspends India’s ‘most favoured nation’ status after SC’s Nestle ruling

A church in Switzerland is enabling visitors to interact with a digital avatar of Jesus also known as "AI Jesus". It is being done through an innovative installation created by scientists and theologians of Lucerne University. Watch this video to find out more.

AI-Powered Jesus Set to Chat With People at Switzerland's St. Peter's Chapel | GRAVITAS

Climate change has forced, Switzerland and Italy to redraw part of their border in the alps due to melting glaciers. Part of the area affected will be beneath the Matterhorn, Which is one of Europe's tallest mountains. Watch to know more.

Switzerland & Italy Redraw Borders

Swiss police have arrested several people after a controversial futuristic-looking capsule designed to allow its occupant to commit suicide was used for the first time, authorities said on Tuesday. Police in the northern canton of Schaffhausen bordering Germany said the so-called "Sarco" capsule had been deployed in a wood in the municipality of Merishausen on Monday.

Swiss police make arrests after Sarco capsule is used for the first time

Kristina Joksimovic, a former Miss Switzerland finalist, was allegedly murdered by her husband. Autopsy found body dismembered and pureed in a blender.

Ex-Miss Switzerland finalist allegedly murdered by husband, remains 'pureed' in a blender

Trigger Warning: Some readers might find the contents of the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.

In a ghastly incident, a former Miss Switzerland finalist was brutally killed by her husband and pureed in a blender. Thirty-eight-year-old Kristina Joksimovic was allegedly strangled and dismembered with a jigsaw and garden shears.&nbsp;

Her body was found in February in Binningen, near Basel in Switzerland. As investigations began into the murder, the officials concluded that Kristina had been strangled before she died.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, the husband, known as pseudonym Thomas, has admitted to murdering his wife. His appeal for release from custody was rejected on Wednesday by the Federal Court in Lausanne.

The probe into the killing has found "concrete indications of mental illness".&nbsp;

Thomas claims that he killed his wife in an act of self-defence as she attacked him with a knife. After murdering her, he reportedly said that he started to panic and so dismembered his wife. However, according to Swiss outlet FM1 Today, a medical-forensic report "contradicts his description of self-defence".&nbsp;

An autopsy found the brutal manner in which the model's body was dismembered. The husband took the body into the laundry room where he used a jigsaw, knife and garden shears to carry out the terrible act.

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According to reports by the local outlet Blick, he then chopped her up with a hand blender, and "pureed" and dissolved the body parts in a chemical solution.

Investigators say Thomas lacked "empathy" and was "cold-blooded" after killing his wife and following efforts to cover up her death. The defendant had "sadistic-sociopathic traits", they said.

<h2>Couple's marital life</h2>

Kristina's remains were found by a "third party" and a day after it, Thomas was arrested.&nbsp;

The couple got married in 2017 and lived an affluent life in a "spacious semi-detached house", 20 Minuten reported. They took vacations and Kristina had posted pictures of a getaway on Instagram just four weeks before the murder. &nbsp;

However, some reports quoting a friend state that their relationship has been "in crisis for months". Reportedly, the police were once called out over reports of physical violence.

Trigger Warning: Some readers might find the contents of the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a ghastly incident, a former Miss Switzerland finalist was brutally killed by her husband and pureed in a blender.

Trigger Warning: Some readers might find the contents of the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a ghastly incident, a former Miss Switzerland finalist was brutally killed by her husband and pureed in a blender. Thirty-eight-year-old Kristina Joksimovic was allegedly strangled and dismembered with a jigsaw and garden shears. Her body was found in February in Binningen, near Basel in Switzerland. As investigations began into the murder, the officials concluded that Kristina had been strangled before she died. According to local media reports, the husband, known as pseudonym Thomas, has admitted to murdering his wife. His appeal for release from custody was rejected on Wednesday by the Federal Court in Lausanne. The probe into the killing has found "concrete indications of mental illness". Thomas claims that he killed his wife in an act of self-defence as she attacked him with a knife. After murdering her, he reportedly said that he started to panic and so dismembered his wife. However, according to Swiss outlet FM1 Today, a medical-forensic report "contradicts his description of self-defence". An autopsy found the brutal manner in which the model's body was dismembered. The husband took the body into the laundry room where he used a jigsaw, knife and garden shears to carry out the terrible act. Also Read | Japan: Man makes fake rock, embeds spy camera and films 1,000 women at hot springs According to reports by the local outlet Blick, he then chopped her up with a hand blender, and "pureed" and dissolved the body parts in a chemical solution. Investigators say Thomas lacked "empathy" and was "cold-blooded" after killing his wife and following efforts to cover up her death. The defendant had "sadistic-sociopathic traits", they said. Couple's marital life Kristina's remains were found by a "third party" and a day after it, Thomas was arrested. The couple got married in 2017 and lived an affluent life in a "spacious semi-detached house", 20 Minuten reported. They took vacations and Kristina had posted pictures of a getaway on Instagram just four weeks before the murder. However, some reports quoting a friend state that their relationship has been "in crisis for months". Reportedly, the police were once called out over reports of physical violence.

Miss Switzerland finalist strangled, dismembered by husband

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, blushed after Ambassador Jean-David Levitte praised him, saying, "You are a star in the world..."&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar was interacting with the Ambassador at the Geneva Centre for India's security policy on Thursday, where he earned praises from the envoy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eam-jaishankar-highlights-growing-india-gcc-partnership-at-first-ministerial-meet-757225">Also read:&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar highlights growing India-GCC partnership at first ministerial meet</a>

Levitte expressed pleasure of having the privilege to talk to Jaishankar and said, "he is a star in the world". In response, the EAM was seen expressing gratitude with folded hands.&nbsp;

<h2>Jaishankar's visit to Switzerland&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Geneva,&nbsp;Switzerland,&nbsp;and started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu's message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever."

Watch |&nbsp;S. Jaishankar in Riyadh for first India-Gulf Foreign Ministers' meeting

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Jaishankar is also expected to meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to boost bilateral ties further.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organizations. During the visit, EAM will meet with heads and representatives of international organizations with whom India is actively engaged."

Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany. He met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, blushed after Ambassador Jean-David Levitte praised him, saying, "You are a star in the world..." EAM Jaishankar was interacting with the Ambassador at the Geneva Centre for India's security policy on Thursday, where he earned praises from the envoy.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, blushed after Ambassador Jean-David Levitte praised him, saying, "You are a star in the world..." EAM Jaishankar was interacting with the Ambassador at the Geneva Centre for India's security policy on Thursday, where he earned praises from the envoy. Also read: EAM Jaishankar highlights growing India-GCC partnership at first ministerial meet Levitte expressed pleasure of having the privilege to talk to Jaishankar and said, "he is a star in the world". In response, the EAM was seen expressing gratitude with folded hands. Jaishankar's visit to Switzerland Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, and started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu's message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever." Watch | S. Jaishankar in Riyadh for first India-Gulf Foreign Ministers' meeting × Jaishankar is also expected to meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to boost bilateral ties further. The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organizations. During the visit, EAM will meet with heads and representatives of international organizations with whom India is actively engaged." Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany. He met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. (With inputs from agencies)

‘You’re a star in the world’: EAM Jaishankar blushes as diplomat praises him

In a rare medical feat, a doctor carried out an endoscopy on a pig in Hong Kong while sitting in a lab which was 9,300 kilometres away in Zurich, Switzerland.

The operation was part of the collaborative project between researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and ETH Zurich.&nbsp;

In the project, the researchers were able to look into the stomach of the anaesthetized animal while sitting in the other half of the world with the help of a smooth internet connection and clever robotic technology.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/namibia-to-cull-over-700-elephants-hippos-and-other-animals-for-meat-heres-why-754340">Namibia to cull over 700 elephants, hippos and other animals for meat. Here's why</a>

Doctoral student Alexandre Mesot used the joysticks of a PlayStation controller to manipulate the endoscope in Hong Kong and checked the images on a screen in the lab in Zurich. There was only a 300-millisecond delay in loading of the images.

This surgery has emerged as a breakthrough in the field of telesurgery.&nbsp;

Before the endoscopy, the surgeons had anaesthetized the pig in the operating room in Hong Kong and had also safely inserted the endoscope in its stomach through the mouth.

<h2>Here's how the doctor carried out nearly impossible endoscopy on pig</h2>

The endoscope used not any usual one but was specially developed by the ETH Zurich team for navigating with the help of a magnetic field.

“Not only can the endoscope be bent in any direction thanks to its magnetic head; it’s also smaller and easier to manoeuvre than conventional devices,” said Mesot, in his statement.

Mesot said that it was so flexible that he was able to control the endoscope from Switzerland and easily manipulate it bend its head backwards by 180° and check the stomach entrance.&nbsp;

Mesot was also able to take tissue samples from the stomach wall using a tiny gripper. Since this endoscope is smaller than usual, it can be used on human patients by inserting it through their nose and not the mouth.

Watch:&nbsp;Lab-grown blood stem cells could replace bone marrow transplants: Report

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“In the next step of our research, we hope to carry out a teleoperated endoscopy on a human stomach,” said Professor Bradley Nelson, who is from the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich while speaking to IFL Science.

“There’s a lot of potential in this technology. Here I’m thinking of minimally invasive procedures in the gastrointestinal tract, such as cancer screening," he added.

As per the reports, the pig survived the endoscopy and did not suffer because of the operation's novel nature.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare medical feat, a doctor carried out an endoscopy on a pig in Hong Kong while sitting in a lab which was 9,300 kilometres away in Zurich, Switzerland. The operation was part of the collaborative project between researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and ETH Zurich.

In a rare medical feat, a doctor carried out an endoscopy on a pig in Hong Kong while sitting in a lab which was 9,300 kilometres away in Zurich, Switzerland. The operation was part of the collaborative project between researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and ETH Zurich. In the project, the researchers were able to look into the stomach of the anaesthetized animal while sitting in the other half of the world with the help of a smooth internet connection and clever robotic technology. Also Read: Namibia to cull over 700 elephants, hippos and other animals for meat. Here's why Doctoral student Alexandre Mesot used the joysticks of a PlayStation controller to manipulate the endoscope in Hong Kong and checked the images on a screen in the lab in Zurich. There was only a 300-millisecond delay in loading of the images. This surgery has emerged as a breakthrough in the field of telesurgery. Before the endoscopy, the surgeons had anaesthetized the pig in the operating room in Hong Kong and had also safely inserted the endoscope in its stomach through the mouth. Here's how the doctor carried out nearly impossible endoscopy on pig The endoscope used not any usual one but was specially developed by the ETH Zurich team for navigating with the help of a magnetic field. “Not only can the endoscope be bent in any direction thanks to its magnetic head; it’s also smaller and easier to manoeuvre than conventional devices,” said Mesot, in his statement. Mesot said that it was so flexible that he was able to control the endoscope from Switzerland and easily manipulate it bend its head backwards by 180° and check the stomach entrance. Mesot was also able to take tissue samples from the stomach wall using a tiny gripper. Since this endoscope is smaller than usual, it can be used on human patients by inserting it through their nose and not the mouth. Watch: Lab-grown blood stem cells could replace bone marrow transplants: Report “In the next step of our research, we hope to carry out a teleoperated endoscopy on a human stomach,” said Professor Bradley Nelson, who is from the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich while speaking to IFL Science. “There’s a lot of potential in this technology. Here I’m thinking of minimally invasive procedures in the gastrointestinal tract, such as cancer screening," he added. As per the reports, the pig survived the endoscopy and did not suffer because of the operation's novel nature. (With inputs from agencies)

Doctor carries out operation from a distance of 9,000 kilometres. Here's how

In a new survey, Switzerland has been crowned as the world's best country for the third year in a row.&nbsp;

U.S. News &amp; World's report in its ‘Best Countries Ranking 2024’ has ranked 15 European countries in the top 25 spots, east and Southeast&nbsp;Asia in four spots, the Middle East in two spots and North America and Oceania in another two spots.&nbsp;

The rankings were done after taking the views of more than 17,000 people across the world who ranked the countries on categories like power, openness for business, cultural influence, adventure, agility, heritage, entrepreneurship and quality of life.&nbsp;

Switzerland stood at the top of the ranking. It has been clinching the first rank since 2017.&nbsp;

The report stated that it was "bolstered by notable performances in three of the heaviest-weighted subrankings: quality of life, entrepreneurship and social purpose."&nbsp;

Climbing up four spots, Japan took the number two spot in the rankings in the entrepreneurship and movers categories.&nbsp;

The United States was ranked in third place, two spots ahead of its previous ranking.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-plans-full-e-visa-service-for-indians-space-mou-with-isro-in-work-757213">Philippines plans full e-Visa service for Indians, space MoU with ISRO</a>

In the category of power and agility, it was ranked number one, number two in entrepreneurship and number three in cultural influence.&nbsp;

The other top 10 countries were Canada, Australia, Sweden, Germany, the UK, New Zealand and Denmark.&nbsp;

From 11th to 25th position were ranked Norway, France, the Netherlands, Singapore, Italy, China, the UAE, South Korea, Spain, Finland, Austria, Iceland Belgium, Ireland and Qatar.&nbsp;

At the bottom of the ranking were countries from Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the rank of India?</h2>

In this year's ranking, India grabbed the 33rd position, as it dropped three spots from its place on the list in 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>What about the warring countries?</h2>

Ukraine, which has been engaged in a brutal war with Russia for 30 months, was ranked the lowest in the world, at Number 80.&nbsp;

The Israel and Hamas war pushed Tel Aviv down 10 places in comparison to last year's ranking.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Upscale travel soars among Americans&nbsp;

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Speaking to U.S. News &amp; World, CEO and president of Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Clionadh Raleigh said, "Israel's standing on the world stage will be drastically affected by this conflict, but I hesitate to say it will be entirely negative."

"The reason being is that other rising powers and regional power-brokers are far less critical about how Israel has gone about this conflict and (I think) will seek to resuscitate their new, stronger relationship as soon as time allows," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new survey, Switzerland has been crowned as the world's best country for the third year in a row. U.S. News & World's report in its ‘Best Countries Ranking 2024’ has ranked 15 European countries in the top 25 spots, east and Southeast Asia in four spots, the Middle East in two spots and North America and Oceania in another two spots.

In a new survey, Switzerland has been crowned as the world's best country for the third year in a row. U.S. News & World's report in its ‘Best Countries Ranking 2024’ has ranked 15 European countries in the top 25 spots, east and Southeast Asia in four spots, the Middle East in two spots and North America and Oceania in another two spots. The rankings were done after taking the views of more than 17,000 people across the world who ranked the countries on categories like power, openness for business, cultural influence, adventure, agility, heritage, entrepreneurship and quality of life. Switzerland stood at the top of the ranking. It has been clinching the first rank since 2017. The report stated that it was "bolstered by notable performances in three of the heaviest-weighted subrankings: quality of life, entrepreneurship and social purpose." Climbing up four spots, Japan took the number two spot in the rankings in the entrepreneurship and movers categories. The United States was ranked in third place, two spots ahead of its previous ranking. Also Read: Philippines plans full e-Visa service for Indians, space MoU with ISRO In the category of power and agility, it was ranked number one, number two in entrepreneurship and number three in cultural influence. The other top 10 countries were Canada, Australia, Sweden, Germany, the UK, New Zealand and Denmark. From 11th to 25th position were ranked Norway, France, the Netherlands, Singapore, Italy, China, the UAE, South Korea, Spain, Finland, Austria, Iceland Belgium, Ireland and Qatar. At the bottom of the ranking were countries from Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. What was the rank of India? In this year's ranking, India grabbed the 33rd position, as it dropped three spots from its place on the list in 2023. What about the warring countries? Ukraine, which has been engaged in a brutal war with Russia for 30 months, was ranked the lowest in the world, at Number 80. The Israel and Hamas war pushed Tel Aviv down 10 places in comparison to last year's ranking. Watch: Upscale travel soars among Americans Speaking to U.S. News & World, CEO and president of Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Clionadh Raleigh said, "Israel's standing on the world stage will be drastically affected by this conflict, but I hesitate to say it will be entirely negative." "The reason being is that other rising powers and regional power-brokers are far less critical about how Israel has gone about this conflict and (I think) will seek to resuscitate their new, stronger relationship as soon as time allows," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

This country has been ranked 'best in the world' in a global survey. India ranks....

What looks like an avalanche of clouds was seen descending on Swiss Alps in Obergoms on Monday during a meteorological event known as Alpine foehn. Timelapse video shows the "river of clouds" as it makes its way down the Grimsel Pass.

Thick, voluminous clouds descend on Swiss Alps

According to reports, beneath Switzerland’s lakes lie military munitions, long buried and potentially hazardous. The Swiss government has now recognized this potential danger and launched a national competition with a prize of around $58,000, for anyone who can devise a method to remove these munitions safely, and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from Lakes

In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.

The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of&nbsp;50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse).&nbsp;The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly.

“With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement.&nbsp;

“This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added.

The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-world-war-2-bomb-emerges-due-to-drying-of-po-river-508790">Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river</a>

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<h2>Challenges to retrieving munitions&nbsp;</h2>

According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964.&nbsp;

Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-biggest-bomb-explodes-underwater-during-attempt-to-defuse-it-335215">Also read |&nbsp;World War II&nbsp;biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it</a>

According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by&nbsp;a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it.&nbsp;

Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions.&nbsp;

Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded.&nbsp;

As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.

In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas. The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of 50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse). The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly. “With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement. “This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added. The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river × Challenges to retrieving munitions According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964. Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface. Also read | World War II biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it. Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions. Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded. As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from lakes

Talks aimed at ending Sudan's shattering 16-month-old civil war began on Wednesday in Switzerland although the absence of the military dampened hopes for imminent steps to alleviate the country's humanitarian crisis.

Sudan truce talks: Sudanese armed forces give ceasefire negotiations a miss

Sudan crisis: Sudanese army skip truce talks in Switzerland

A warning for our viewers do not proceed if you are triggered by reports about suicide. An assisted dying group The Last Resort claims that it has developed a futuristic capsule for those who are seeking assisted death or Euthanasia. Watch in for more details!

Controversial pod triggers debate: Capsules potential use sparks legal & ethical debates

You might be aware of the term crash-landing but how about crash birching-inspired by winged creatures. Swiss scientists have built a winged unmanned aerial vehicle by hugging trees and poles.

Swiss scientists create tree-hugging drones, UAV with unique perching ability

After introducing a breakthrough method for assisted dying, Sarco is now set to use its suicide pods for first time ever. The first use of a portable suicide pod will be carried out in Switzerland this year, potentially within months to come, the company said on Wednesday.

The space-age-looking Sarco capsule was first unveiled in 2019, which uses the method of replacing the oxygen inside it with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia. It would cost $20 to use.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abu-dhabis-first-owl-cafe-goes-viral-internet-furious-over-animal-cruelty-741939">Abu Dhabi's first owl cafe goes viral, internet furious over 'animal cruelty'</a>

The suicide pod is often dubbed as the ‘Tesla of euthanasia”. Since its introduction at the Venice Design Festival in 2019, it has drawn criticism for promoting death.&nbsp;

<h2>Legality of suicide in Switzerland</h2>

Dr Philip Nitschke, a vocal advocate for assisted dying, created the machine and claims that it will help its users to die swiftly and painlessly. However, the prosecutors in Switzerland's Schaffhausen Canton said a few days back that if anyone is caught assisting someone in using the pods, they can face nearly five years of imprisonment, as reported by Swiss media.

The Last Resort organisation now said it saw no legal obstacle to its use in Switzerland, where the law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act himself.

Watch |&nbsp;Switzerland: 'Sarco Pod'- A device to make suicide 'painless'

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"Since we have people indeed queueing up, asking to use the Sarco, it's very likely that it will take place pretty soon," The Last Resort's chief executive Florian Willet told a press conference.

Voluntary assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, according to Metro; however, Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code states that assisting suicide is a crime done for “selfish” reasons.

First use of suicide pod soon&nbsp;

Though no decision has been made over the date and location of the first death, or who the first user might be, there are reports of first usage of the suicide pod this year soon. Such details would not be made public until after the event.

"We really don't want a person's desire for a peaceful passing Switzerland to turn into a media circus," said lawyer Fiona Stewart, who is on The Last Resort's advisory board.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/switzerland-bans-suicide-capsule-for-assisted-dying-heres-how-it-can-kill-people-in-seconds-740021">Switzerland bans 'suicide capsule' for assisted dying. Here's how it can kill people 'in seconds'</a>

Asked if the first use would be this year, she replied: "I would say yes."

The minimum age limit is set at 50, though if someone over 18 was seriously ill, "we would not want to deny a suffering person based on their age", said Stewart.

A person can simply climb into the machine and after asking a few questions, the software will switch on power and the person can just press a button to die.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After introducing a breakthrough method for assisted dying, Sarco is now set to use its suicide pods for first time ever. The first use of a portable suicide pod will be carried out in Switzerland this year, potentially within months to come, the company said on Wednesday.

After introducing a breakthrough method for assisted dying, Sarco is now set to use its suicide pods for first time ever. The first use of a portable suicide pod will be carried out in Switzerland this year, potentially within months to come, the company said on Wednesday. The space-age-looking Sarco capsule was first unveiled in 2019, which uses the method of replacing the oxygen inside it with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia. It would cost $20 to use. Also Read | Abu Dhabi's first owl cafe goes viral, internet furious over 'animal cruelty' The suicide pod is often dubbed as the ‘Tesla of euthanasia”. Since its introduction at the Venice Design Festival in 2019, it has drawn criticism for promoting death. Legality of suicide in Switzerland Dr Philip Nitschke, a vocal advocate for assisted dying, created the machine and claims that it will help its users to die swiftly and painlessly. However, the prosecutors in Switzerland's Schaffhausen Canton said a few days back that if anyone is caught assisting someone in using the pods, they can face nearly five years of imprisonment, as reported by Swiss media. The Last Resort organisation now said it saw no legal obstacle to its use in Switzerland, where the law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act himself. Watch | Switzerland: 'Sarco Pod'- A device to make suicide 'painless' × "Since we have people indeed queueing up, asking to use the Sarco, it's very likely that it will take place pretty soon," The Last Resort's chief executive Florian Willet told a press conference. Voluntary assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, according to Metro; however, Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code states that assisting suicide is a crime done for “selfish” reasons. First use of suicide pod soon Though no decision has been made over the date and location of the first death, or who the first user might be, there are reports of first usage of the suicide pod this year soon. Such details would not be made public until after the event. "We really don't want a person's desire for a peaceful passing Switzerland to turn into a media circus," said lawyer Fiona Stewart, who is on The Last Resort's advisory board. Also Read | Switzerland bans 'suicide capsule' for assisted dying. Here's how it can kill people 'in seconds' Asked if the first use would be this year, she replied: "I would say yes." The minimum age limit is set at 50, though if someone over 18 was seriously ill, "we would not want to deny a suffering person based on their age", said Stewart. A person can simply climb into the machine and after asking a few questions, the software will switch on power and the person can just press a button to die. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland set to use controversial portable suicide pods 'within months'

The prosecutors in Switzerland took a landmark decision of banning a 'death capsule' which has been designed for carrying out assisted suicides before it was about to be used for the first time.&nbsp;

The machine called Sarco - a short form of the sarcophagus - allows euthanasia patients sitting inside it to press a button and die 'within seconds', as per the company Exit Switzerland, which created it.

The machine has been dubbed the 'Tesla of euthanasia' and it gets filled with nitrogen which leaves the occupant gasping for oxygen and makes him/her unconscious before death.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heartbreaking-reason-why-a-29-year-old-dutch-woman-chose-assisted-suicide-728210">Heartbreaking reason a 29-year-old Dutch woman chose assisted suicide</a>

Dr Philip Nitschke, a vocal&nbsp;advocate for&nbsp;assisted dying, created the machine&nbsp;and claims that it will help its users to die swiftly and painlessly.

<h2>What prosecutors said about the 'death pod'</h2>

The prosecutors in Switzerland's Schaffhausen Canton said anyone caught assisting someone in using the pods can face nearly five years of imprisonment, as reported by Swiss media.

Public Prosecutor Peter Sticher hinted at "serious consequences" for Nitschke for "inducement and aiding and abetting suicide for selfish reasons".

As quoted by Swiss media, Sticher said, "There is no reliable information about the method of killing. [It is] completely unclear who has control over which mechanical process during the dying process."

The ban was imposed after Dr Nitschke said on June 10 that Sarco was about to be deployed in Switzerland "in the next few weeks."

"The machine can be towed anywhere for the death. It can be in an idyllic outdoor setting or on the premises of an assisted suicide organisation, for example," the&nbsp;advocate for assisted dying&nbsp;added.

<h2>How does this suicide capsule work?</h2>

Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Nitschke explained the working of his&nbsp;machine. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Female suicide bombers of Boko Haram behind attacks?

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He said, "The person will climb into the machine, they will be asked three questions and they will answer verbally - 'Who are you?', 'Where are you?' and 'Do you know what happens if you press the button?'"

"And if they answer those questions verbally, the software then switches the power on so that the button can then be pressed. And if they press the button they will die very quickly," Dr Nitschke explained.

"When you climb into Sarco the oxygen level is 21 per cent but after you press the button it takes 30 seconds for the oxygen to drop to less than 1 per cent," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The prosecutors in Switzerland took a landmark decision of banning a 'death capsule' which has been designed for carrying out assisted suicides before it was about to be used for the first time.

The prosecutors in Switzerland took a landmark decision of banning a 'death capsule' which has been designed for carrying out assisted suicides before it was about to be used for the first time. The machine called Sarco - a short form of the sarcophagus - allows euthanasia patients sitting inside it to press a button and die 'within seconds', as per the company Exit Switzerland, which created it. The machine has been dubbed the 'Tesla of euthanasia' and it gets filled with nitrogen which leaves the occupant gasping for oxygen and makes him/her unconscious before death. Also Read: Heartbreaking reason a 29-year-old Dutch woman chose assisted suicide Dr Philip Nitschke, a vocal advocate for assisted dying, created the machine and claims that it will help its users to die swiftly and painlessly. What prosecutors said about the 'death pod' The prosecutors in Switzerland's Schaffhausen Canton said anyone caught assisting someone in using the pods can face nearly five years of imprisonment, as reported by Swiss media. Public Prosecutor Peter Sticher hinted at "serious consequences" for Nitschke for "inducement and aiding and abetting suicide for selfish reasons". As quoted by Swiss media, Sticher said, "There is no reliable information about the method of killing. [It is] completely unclear who has control over which mechanical process during the dying process." The ban was imposed after Dr Nitschke said on June 10 that Sarco was about to be deployed in Switzerland "in the next few weeks." "The machine can be towed anywhere for the death. It can be in an idyllic outdoor setting or on the premises of an assisted suicide organisation, for example," the advocate for assisted dying added. How does this suicide capsule work? Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Nitschke explained the working of his machine. Watch: Female suicide bombers of Boko Haram behind attacks? He said, "The person will climb into the machine, they will be asked three questions and they will answer verbally - 'Who are you?', 'Where are you?' and 'Do you know what happens if you press the button?'" "And if they answer those questions verbally, the software then switches the power on so that the button can then be pressed. And if they press the button they will die very quickly," Dr Nitschke explained. "When you climb into Sarco the oxygen level is 21 per cent but after you press the button it takes 30 seconds for the oxygen to drop to less than 1 per cent," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland bans 'suicide capsule' for assisted dying. Here's how it can kill people 'in seconds'

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