Strikes me as an extremely bad precedent for trial “in absentia”, which is strictly forbidden by the U.S. constitution. This is a classic case of the camel’s nose under the tent.
The ruling is in absentia is ok because this person is rendering himself unavailable for trial on purpose. How is that different from fleeing to a country without a U.S. extradition treaty? It’s not. Next step? Trial in absentia for those who flee to a country without an extradition treaty.
The court can order medication so it should be able to order involuntary feeding. Strap the dude down and insert feeding tube. This would be a better solution than to gut the constitution.
You’re absolutely right. These prosecutors want to suspend habeas corpus at their own will.