Star defence witness to testify in Alek Minassian trial

The trial of the man who killed 10 people in Toronto’s van attack continues Monday, with the defence’s star witness set to testify.

Dr. Alexander Westphal is expected to say Alek Minassian is not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to autism spectrum disorder.

Last week, Westphal refused to testify if court didn’t give in to his demands to seal his videotaped interviews with Minassian and play the clips to court in secret.

Back at #Minassian, on trial for attack with a van on 26 ppl on Yonge St. in 2018. Defence has Dr. Alexander Westphal on the stand today – US forensic psychiatrist expected to opine that accused is not criminally responsible due to his autism. @CHCHNews 6pm full story

— Lisa Hepfner (@LisaHepfnerCHCH) November 30, 2020

The judge gave in to sealing the videos after the psychiatrist warned they could incite more violence. Journalists will be allowed to watch the videos.

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

He has admitted to planning and carrying out the attacks with his state of mind at the time being the sole issue at trial.