TORONTO – Luka Rocco Magnotta said two words at his first court appearance since his return to Canada: not guilty.
While dozens of journalists, students and curious members of the public waited in line for a seat in the courthouse to watch the proceedings, Magnotta’s arraignment was less than five minutes long.
He appeared via video conference and is pleading not guilty in the macabre murder and dismemberment case that has captured international headlines.
Magnotta stood impassive, speaking only briefly to mutter his innocence before he was returned to detention.
His case returns to court on Thursday, again by video conference to discuss a motion to have Magnotta undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
During the proceedings, Magnotta’s lawyer, Pierre Panaccio, told his client that he hoped to speak with him later.
“If you wish to call me at home tonight, I’d be pleased to talk about this,” Panaccio told Magnotta.
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“Okay,” Magnotta responded before he was taken away by guards.
Magnotta is facing a slew of charges, including first-degree murder in the killing and dismembering of Chinese student Lin Jun, and mailing some of the 33-year-old’s body parts to political offices and elementary schools. He also faces charges for allegedly defiling the corpse and harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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Lin’s torso was found stuffed in a suitcase behind Magnotta’s apartment in late May, while Conservative Party officials received a package containing a human foot. Canada Post intercepted a package en route to Liberal Party headquarters that contained a human hand that night.
Days later, another hand and foot surfaced after packages were received at two Vancouver elementary schools.
Montreal police says DNA tests have confirmed the limbs belong to Lin. His head is still missing.
Following an international manhunt, Magnotta was arrested on June 4 at an Internet café in Berlin, where he was reading news stories about himself.
He was extradited to Canada via military plane and arrived at Montreal’s Mirabel airport at 7 p.m. Monday. His hands and feet were shackled during the flight.
On Tuesday, Beijing urged Canada to ensure justice was done for Lin.
“The case of Lin Jun attracted great attention both from China and Canada,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular briefing.
“While handling the case, we hope the Canadian side can take into account the wishes of the victim’s family, fairly try the case and do justice to the victim,” he said.
With files from The Canadian Press
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