Arrest warrant lifted for Saint-Nicolas cat killer, prosecutor appeals
Liège investigating chamber lifted the arrest warrant on Wednesday for the suspect of torturing eleven cats. The prosecutor immediately appealed, keeping the accused in detention.
Electronic bracelet refused: suspect remains in detention despite investigating chamber's decision
Liège's investigating chamber ordered on Wednesday the release under electronic bracelet of S.H., a Saint-Nicolas resident born in 2002, suspected of abducting, torturing and killing eleven cats in the municipalities of Saint-Nicolas and Seraing. According to DHnet, the Liège prosecutor immediately appealed this order, which has the consequence of keeping the accused in detention until the examining chamber reviews the file.
This is the second time the investigating chamber has lifted the arrest warrant. At the end of June, a first identical decision had already been overturned by a prosecutor's appeal, resulting in the same outcome: the suspect's continued detention in a cell.
New developments related to Liège SRPA
The case took on a new dimension after S.H. was questioned by police concerning acts committed against Liège's SRPA (animal protection society). The suspect allegedly adopted two cats from this animal protection organisation and tortured them. The SRPA filed a request for additional investigative steps, which delays the closure of the preliminary investigation and therefore referral to criminal court.
Testimonies and photographs had initially circulated on social media following multiple cat disappearances in the area concerned. One of the felines, abducted in Ougrée, had been found tortured and killed in Saint-Nicolas. S.H. reportedly filmed himself while torturing animals; these images are described as "horrific".
The examining chamber had previously confirmed the arrest warrant following an initial prosecutor's appeal.
Defence argues for electronic bracelet
Me Philippe Zevenne, defence counsel, recalled that his client is in partial admission. He sought release on the grounds that the preliminary investigation is at an advanced stage of procedural settlement. "It is unfortunate to file such a request for additional investigative steps at this advanced stage, but that is procedure," he stated.
The lawyer believes that placement under electronic bracelet constitutes the appropriate measure in the current circumstances. "I believe the right decision is to place my client under the surveillance of an electronic bracelet given that we are at the stage of procedural settlement. We shall see what the examining chamber decides," he added.
Liège's examining chamber must now rule on the maintenance or lifting of the arrest warrant for S.H.
Source: DHnet