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Nov 16, 2020 8:24 PM -

Lawyer says Toronto van attack suspect didn't know he was wrong

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A lawyer for a man who killed 10 people and injured 16 others in the Toronto van attack says his client has autism spectrum disorder and is not faking his symptoms.

Alek Minassian has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

The 28 year old has asked court to find him not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018 due to a mental disorder.

Defence lawyer Boris Bytensky says Minassian does not suffer from any psychopathy or anti-social disorder, and is not narcissistic.

The case will turn solely on Minassian's state of mind at the time of the attack and arguments in court suggest his lawyers will use autism as part of the defence.

Minassian has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack.

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