Judge Larry Burns, presiding over the trial of Arizona shooter Jared Lee Loughner , allowed involuntary treatment for the defendant at a hearing on Wednesday, June 29. reports Associated Press .

Prison doctors, in particular, are allowed to use antipsychotic drugs to normalize Loughner's psyche. This is necessary so that he can understand the charges against him and stand trial.

The decision was made after the court considered a motion from the defendant's defense, which demanded that his compulsory treatment be stopped.

Loughner's lawyer, Judy Clark, said that her client has been subject to compulsory treatment since June 21, and, as she noted, jailers arbitrarily prescribed pills to Loughner, without sufficient grounds. Judge Burns, however, said he had no reason to question the doctors' decision.

Let us recall that Loughner has been observed in a prison mental hospital in Springfield, Missouri, since May 28, 2011. He was sent there after a psychiatric examination, which found him unfit to stand trial.

Psychiatrists ruled that Loughner suffers from schizophrenia and poses a threat to both others and himself. There are known cases of Loughner's aggressive behavior towards his lawyer, as well as towards the prison doctors involved in his treatment. Loughner was given at least four months to treat.

Loughner carried out a shooting in the Arizona city of Tucson on January 8, 2011, at a meeting of Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with constituents. Six people were killed and 14 were injured. The politician was seriously wounded in the head, but thanks to doctors she survived and has now been discharged from the hospital and is undergoing treatment at home. Loughner refused to admit his guilt.

Arizona shooter allowed to undergo forced treatment