Brussels - A Belgian financial executive accused of murdering his five-year-old son in Singapore was on Wednesday detained for another week to allow police to complete a pre-trial investigation, his lawyer said.
Philippe Graffart, 41, was charged with murder - an offence punishable by hanging in Singapore - for the death of his son Keryan at an upmarket condominium near the city-state's embassy row in October.
State prosecutors and Graffart's lawyer, Ramesh Tiwary, agreed at a district court hearing the Belgian should be remanded in custody.
“This is for the police to complete their investigation,” Tiwary told AFP.
He will be moved from a medical complex at Changi Prison to the central police division near the trial court.
Graffart has been held for psychiatric observation at the centre since he was charged on October 7.
State prosecutors said Wednesday they received a copy of the psychiatric report, but did not provide details.
Media reports said Graffart's son was found strangled in his bedroom with hand-shaped bruises around his neck. Graffart and his ex-wife were believed to be fighting over custody of the boy.
Graffart was arrested before dawn on October 6 after arriving at a police station with self-inflicted wounds.
The Belgian's LinkedIn account describes him as an executive director and head of fund distribution in the Asia-Pacific region for Oslo-based Nordea Investment Management.
A Facebook account in his name showed a collection of happy photos with Keryan.
“Happy Birthday to you Keryan! 5 years i am so proud of you!,” said a post dated September 25.
The next court appointment is scheduled for December 2.
AFP
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