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