Estonian engineer acquitted in assisted suicide device case
An Estonian retired engineer who designed a device for assisted suicide, which was used by three people resulting in the deaths of two, has been acquitted by the Supreme Court.
The engineer created and rented out a device for a fee, allowing users to commit assisted suicide at their own request by inhaling helium. This process led to oxygen deprivation over an extended period.
Last spring, a court in Tartu sentenced him to one year of imprisonment, suspended for two years. Previously, the man had shared his idea of providing assistance with dying in Estonia on the website of his non-governmental organization and on social media.
Euthanasia is not legal in Estonia. The Supreme Court noted that the absence of clear regulations governing assisted voluntary death has so far been "the choice of legislators." The ruling panel referenced the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, which states that every assisted death system requires a solid legal framework.
According to Signe Riisalo, head of the parliamentary Social Affairs Committee, the Supreme Court's unexpected decision has created a complex situation, highlighting the need for social debate on this topic.
"On one hand, some people expect the regulation of assisted dying, and perhaps even euthanasia, while on the other hand, others approach it with apprehension," said the politician, quoted by ERR radio.
She acknowledged that a potential change in regulations, considering ethical, emotional, and social issues, could take several years in the country.
