A 46-year-old Ukrainian man suspected of attacking security guards and police officers with a knife during the Łemkowska Watra festival in Zdynia in July remains in custody. Prosecutors are waiting for an opinion on his mental health.
“The investigation has not produced a final opinion on the suspect’s mental health. However, the prosecutor has asked the District Court in Gorlice to refer the suspect for psychiatric observation,” said Arleta Osikowicz, deputy district prosecutor in Gorlice.
According to prosecutors, the suspect, Yurii K., has not changed his position and continues to admit to the acts he is accused of. The man is still being held in pretrial detention. Prosecutors have asked the court to refer him for psychiatric observation.
The incident occurred on July 16 during the Łemkowska Watra cultural and entertainment event in Zdynia, near Gorlice. According to investigators, the man, who was under the influence of alcohol, behaved aggressively toward event participants and threatened them with a knife. When security guards tried to intervene, he stabbed one of them three times, causing injuries that were not life-threatening. He then waved the knife at the police officers who intervened.
The man was charged with assaulting security guards and police officers, causing bodily harm to two people, and making death threats against event participants. In July, a court ordered him held in pretrial detention for two months. Because the psychiatric opinion has not been completed, his detention is being extended.
Prosecutors said the evidence gathered so far does not allow them to decide to close the proceedings at this time. Investigators previously ruled out any link between the suspect’s actions and national or ethnic origin.
Source: PAP
