“Today, we are learning of the dramatic consequences of Mohammed L.’s psychiatric assessment. He is said to have acted in a state of diminished responsibility due to an ‘acute delusional episode’ in the context of early schizophrenia and cannabis use. He is therefore considered mentally unfit to stand trial and will not be tried by a criminal court. He will escape prison but remain in compulsory hospitalisation for an indefinite period. Since the murder, Mohammed L. has been imprisoned and then transferred to a psychiatric hospital. He was then taken to a unit for less dangerous individuals, according to Le Figaro. Two psychiatric experts will have to approve his possible release—a moment that Christelle Gervaise [the victim’s wife] dreads more than anything, because she knows that he could be out in a very short time and potentially re-offend. She will not be informed of his potential release and could meet the man in the street one day or another.”
(Tom: I read a viewpoint that there should be no defense of ‘temporary insanity’ against charges as all intent to harm or destroy is insanity. This story is just one example of the illogic of allowing that as a defense and the wisdom of treating all equally – with no credence to the quackery of psychiatry.)
