ISTANBUL

The suspect in the murder of a worshipper at a French mosque agreed Wednesday to be handed over to France from Italy, according to media reports.

The lawyer of the suspect confirmed to the broadcaster, BFM TV, that his client agreed to be handed over after being presented to a judge in Italy.

Once handed to authorities, the suspect will not be taken into police custody but will be brought before an investigating judge to face formal charges as part of an initial appearance.

Olivier H., who had been wanted since the April 25 attack on the Hatice Mosque in La Grand-Combe near Ales, surrendered Sunday at a police station in Pistoia, and was taken into custody.

Political figures strongly condemned the atrocious attack on Friday.

In addition to stabbing the victim, the Islamophobic suspect is said to have filmed the assault on a phone and shouted insults against Islam during the attack, according to media reports.