Summary:
A man faces trial for making death threats against medical staff at a psychiatric care facility in Monaco due to his untreated mental illness.
Full Story:
A man appeared in court in Monaco on Tuesday, February 11, on charges of death threats against the medical staff at “La Roseraie,” a psychiatric care facility in the Principality. The incident took place on May 30, 2023, when the unemployed Monégasque man, who was under psychiatric treatment, verbally attacked two members of the healthcare staff over the phone. He reportedly said, “I’m going to kill you and your family. You don’t know what I’m capable of.” In response to these threats, the shocked healthcare workers decided to file a complaint. The man, referred to as Mr. V, attempted to explain his behavior at the trial. He claimed to have been harassed by doctors since 2007 to undergo treatment and attributed his actions to abruptly stopping the treatment. The court questioned his decision to stop a psychotropic treatment with the approval of a doctor. Mr. V refused to disclose the exact nature of his illness, citing doctor-patient confidentiality, but it was revealed that he has been receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders since 2007. Despite being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, Mr. V confirmed his intoxication to the court. The prosecutor highlighted the dangerousness of his behavior without treatment and stressed the need for him to receive treatment to prevent harm to himself and others. The defense lawyer argued that his client was not mentally competent at the time of his arrest and requested acquittal due to lack of evidence. The court found Mr. V guilty, taking his health condition into account, and sentenced him to one month of suspended imprisonment with a three-year probation period. He is required to continue his treatment and regularly provide proof of psychiatric follow-up.
Source:
Monaco Tribune
