Betrayal and revenge: Assisted suicide providers accuse each other of making a business out of death

Once allies in the controversial field of assisted suicide, Philip Nitschke and Ruedi Habegger are now locked in a public feud, casting a shadow over the entire end-of-life assistance industry in Switzerland. The dispute centers around Nitschke's "Tesla of assisted suicide," the Sarco capsule, and has created a rift that has shaped public perception of the sector for years.

Habegger, the founder of Pegasos, which provides assisted suicide services, has largely maintained a low profile. In contrast, Nitschke, the inventor of the Sarco, actively seeks the spotlight, using provocation as a tool to advance his mission of liberalizing euthanasia laws globally. The Sarco itself, with its attention-grabbing design, reflects Nitschke's approach.

Their collaboration began in 2014, with Nitschke facilitating access to Habegger's services for members of his organization, Exit International. Switzerland became a crucial destination for foreigners seeking assisted suicide, as it was one of the few countries offering such services. However, the partnership soured, leading to the current public accusations and counter-accusations, highlighting the deep ideological and personal divides within the assisted suicide movement.