his trial for murder and attempted murder is postponed

The Hauts-de-Seine Assize Court was faced with an unexpected situation this Monday, January 6, during the trial of Mohamed D., accused of murder and attempted murder of two transsexuals. The progress of the trial was disrupted by a strange episode involving the accused, leading to the hearing being adjourned for further psychiatric expertise.

A disturbing scene at the opening of the trial

From the opening of the trial, the identification of the accused raised questions. Mohamed D., a 27-year-old Ivorian, claimed to have been born in 1750, casting doubt on his mental state. His lawyer, Me Jane Peissel, immediately requested an adjournment of the trial, arguing that her client was not able to understand the procedures.

A contested psychiatric expertise

Mohamed D., in pre-trial detention since September 2021, was being monitored at the specially designed hospital unit (UHSA) in Villejuif for acoustic-verbal hallucinations. An expert report carried out on December 19 concluded that he was capable of appearing, despite episodes of disturbing behavior.

A shocking incident in court

During the hearing, Mohamed D. said he felt bad before covering his face with his own excrement. This act caused astonishment and led the court to suspend the trial. The president of the court highlighted the accused’s inability to respond coherently, ordering a new psychiatric assessment.

Families of victims in shock

The families of the victims, who came to attend the trial, were upset by this dismissal. Mohamed D. is accused of the murder of Ivana, a 31-year-old transsexual, strangled and stabbed in her apartment in Courbevoie, and of the attempted murder of another transsexual. The facts date back to September 2021, and the pain of the families remains acute.

A pending question

The trial of Mohamed D. remains suspended on his mental state. Justice will have to determine whether he will one day be able to answer for his actions. In the meantime, the pain of the victims’ families remains palpable, and the wait for justice continues.

Source: Le Parisien

(Thanks Rudy van Cappellen)