Psychiatric review seen as key to Yang Jia's case is rejected by court
Convicted police killer Yang Jia has appealed against his death sentence with a higher court, alleging he had been beaten by police and claiming that as justification for a fatal assault on six officers.
The Shanghai Higher People's Court held a day-long session yesterday after a lower court handed the death penalty to Yang, 28, last month for the six murders. Three other officers and a security guard were injured in the July 1 stabbing attack.
The court adjourned in the evening without announcing a ruling.
It rejected his lawyer's request for another psychiatric evaluation - a key part of the appeal, according to people present at the trial. Prosecutors have claimed examination by a 'specialised institution' before the original trial had proved he was responsible for his actions.
Yang was detained by Shanghai police last October for riding an unlicensed bicycle, prosecutors said. Police described him as belligerent and unco-operative. He was released and later requested compensation, though claims over the amount vary.
