Malian charged with murder is ‘mentally disturbed’

Fodie Keita, 33, from Mali is pleading not guilty to murdering 30-year-old Adame Diabate on June 6, 2010 and burying his body next to a carob tree a short distance from the Ħal Far migrant Open Centre.

Already diagnosed to have "suicidal tendencies," Keita has been held at Mount Carmel Hospital's Forensic Ward since 2010.

Dr. Spiteri said that although he never received any remit to report to the Courts on the mental state of the accused, he had seen to Keita on various occasions, as the prison's psychologist.

He said that it was quite apparent that Keita was mentally disturbed and needs therapy, adding that the accused has shown signs of psychosis, which can be confirmed only by a thorough examination.

He lamented over what he described as "a serious communications problem," as Keita can only speak French, making any psychological examination rather difficult.

As Dr. Spiteri obtained a Court Order to formally examine Keita's state of mind at Mater Dei Hospital, he also obtained the court's permission to appoint and interpreter to help him communicate with the patient.

While Dr. Spiteri was giving evidence, the Court noted that Keita was without a lawyer.

It transpired that Keita had been without a lawyer for the past seven sittings of his case, after legal aid lawyer Henry Antoncic had resigned from the Court Registry.

The Court immediately ordered that Keita be granted another legal aid lawyer.