A 51-year-old Romanian monk has been remanded in custody for six days following an alleged attack at the Agios Neophytos Monastery on Friday morning, 7 August.
According to Sigma correspondent Marios Ignatiou, the incident was preceded by a dispute over the cell previously occupied by the 51-year-old monk’s late father.
Abbot Leontios, accompanied by two other individuals, reportedly approached the monk and asked him to hand over the key to the cell.
The 51-year-old allegedly refused, leading to an altercation during which he is suspected of attacking the Abbot before turning on the two people accompanying him. A box cutter was allegedly used during the attack.
According to police, a 53-year-old man suffered injuries to his neck and hand from a sharp object, while a 27-year-old man at the scene was also injured on the hand.
The 53-year-old was taken to Paphos General Hospital, where his wounds were stitched and he was admitted for treatment. The 27-year-old was also taken to hospital, received first aid and was subsequently discharged.
Police arrested the 51-year-old later that day to facilitate investigations.
He is being investigated for offences including attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife, and the illegal possession and carrying of an offensive weapon.
The suspect has been remanded in custody for six days, while the Paphos Criminal Investigation Department (CID) continues its investigation.
Also read: Turkey holds territory in Syria and Cyprus, yet accuses Israel, says Saar
