Terror suspects to get mental tests
Aug 16, 2010
THE suspects arrested in connection with the July 11 bombings are to undergo medical tests to ascertain their mental state before being arraigned in court.
By Steven candia
and Edward anyoli
THE suspects arrested in connection with the July 11 bombings are to undergo medical tests to ascertain their mental state before being arraigned in court.
Sources said although initial plans were to have the suspects charged yesterday, they could not proceed since some had not taken the required tests.
In criminal offences, especially those of capital nature, it is imperative that a suspect be subjected to tests to ascertain their mental condition before appearing in court.
“A number of those to be charged had not undergone the tests by yesterday. Hopefully, the tests will be done by today,†a source said.
The suspects would be delivered to the police surgeon and most likely be taken to Butabika mental hospital, sources added.
Over the weekend, the team probing the bomb attacks finalised the charge sheet. The development followed some suspects being set free or released on bail.
Sources said the charge sheet, which now a waits being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for sanctioning, could see close to 15 suspects being arraigned in court.
On the list, that includes several Somalis and about two Pakistanis, are the four Ugandan prime suspects; Edris Nsubuga, Mohamood Mugisha, Haruna Hassan Luyima and Issa Ahmed Luyima.
Addressing a press conference last week, police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura said about 22 of the 81 suspects would be charged with terrorism, while others would be released on Police bond or set free.
However, sources said 25 suspects were set free by the police professional standards unit, which was tasked with the duty.
Meanwhile, three Kenyans charged with terrorism and murder two weeks ago have been removed from Luzira prison and handed back to the police for further investigations.
The Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate, Deo Ssejjemba, on Friday directed that Hussein Hassan Agad, Mohamed Adan Abdow, and Idris Magondu be handed back to the Police.
The three were the first suspects to be charged in connection with the July blasts.
According to a letter signed by the senior principal attorney, Joan Magezi, the police needs the suspects to identify exhibits that were recovered after they were charged.
“The identification parade could not be carried out earlier because the witnesses showed up after the accused had been remanded,†the letter stated.
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the suspects are liable to death upon conviction.
and Edward anyoli
THE suspects arrested in connection with the July 11 bombings are to undergo medical tests to ascertain their mental state before being arraigned in court.
Sources said although initial plans were to have the suspects charged yesterday, they could not proceed since some had not taken the required tests.
In criminal offences, especially those of capital nature, it is imperative that a suspect be subjected to tests to ascertain their mental condition before appearing in court.
“A number of those to be charged had not undergone the tests by yesterday. Hopefully, the tests will be done by today,†a source said.
The suspects would be delivered to the police surgeon and most likely be taken to Butabika mental hospital, sources added.
Over the weekend, the team probing the bomb attacks finalised the charge sheet. The development followed some suspects being set free or released on bail.
Sources said the charge sheet, which now a waits being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for sanctioning, could see close to 15 suspects being arraigned in court.
On the list, that includes several Somalis and about two Pakistanis, are the four Ugandan prime suspects; Edris Nsubuga, Mohamood Mugisha, Haruna Hassan Luyima and Issa Ahmed Luyima.
Addressing a press conference last week, police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura said about 22 of the 81 suspects would be charged with terrorism, while others would be released on Police bond or set free.
However, sources said 25 suspects were set free by the police professional standards unit, which was tasked with the duty.
Meanwhile, three Kenyans charged with terrorism and murder two weeks ago have been removed from Luzira prison and handed back to the police for further investigations.
The Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate, Deo Ssejjemba, on Friday directed that Hussein Hassan Agad, Mohamed Adan Abdow, and Idris Magondu be handed back to the Police.
The three were the first suspects to be charged in connection with the July blasts.
According to a letter signed by the senior principal attorney, Joan Magezi, the police needs the suspects to identify exhibits that were recovered after they were charged.
“The identification parade could not be carried out earlier because the witnesses showed up after the accused had been remanded,†the letter stated.
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the suspects are liable to death upon conviction.