Drug addict man stands trial for murder of acquaintance
Published: Wednesday, Jun 12th 2024, 04:50
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A 59-year-old man is to stand trial for murder today, Wednesday, at the criminal court in Basel. He is alleged to have stabbed and fatally injured a 63-year-old friend in an apartment in Sissach BL in January 2023 while under the influence of drugs.
Both the alleged perpetrator and the victim are Iranian nationals and had known each other for at least 20 years, according to the indictment from the Basel public prosecutor's office.
The accused had visited the victim in his apartment in Sissach on the morning of January 31, 2023, where they had consumed cocaine, heroin and other drugs together in the living room. This led to an argument, the indictment states.
The accused had the feeling that he had not received enough drugs from the victim. In addition, the 59-year-old accused his fellow countryman of having made him addicted to drugs, of having treated him badly and of having destroyed his life.
When his friend went into the bathroom, the accused followed him with several folding knives. He pounced on him and "unflinchingly and in a reprehensible manner" brutally stabbed him at least five times. The 63-year-old Iranian died at the scene. The accused was arrested on the same day and has since been in early release.
According to an expert opinion from the Baselland Psychiatric Clinic, the 59-year-old defendant suffers from a severe, chronic schizophrenic disorder and is severely addicted to drugs. It can therefore be assumed that he has lost his capacity for understanding and control.
In addition to murder, the Iranian is also charged with multiple offenses against the Narcotics Act. The verdict is due to be announced on Thursday.
©Keystone/SDA
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