Nathan D., held by police since Monday in connection with the murder of Mouscron Mayor Alfred Gadenne, appeared on Friday morning before the Mons Council Chamber, which was expected to extend his time in custody to Sunday. The suspect’s attorney, Maître Rivière, did not ask for his client to be released since the young man has fully admitted the facts and his responsibility.
Nathan D.’s hearing was very brief – two and a half hours - since he did not contest the facts and assumes his responsibility, according to his lawyer, who said the young man related the facts slowly and calmly, and seemed to be in a state of shock. “He has become aware of the seriousness of his gesture and the total injustice done to someone who was appreciated by all,” commented Rivière.
The attorney confirmed that Nathan felt the mayor was responsible for the death of his father, who committed suicide after being dismissed by Mouscron’s town council. On Monday, the young man reportedly asked the mayor why he had not defended his father at the time, to which the mayor is said to have responded that he had not known him. Nathan then attacked the victim with a knife.
A team of experts, comprising a psychiatrist and a psychologist, has been appointed by the investigating judge. The defence has proposed adding a child psychiatrist.
The Brussels Times
