Police in Paphos arrested a 51-year-old monk for attempted murder after he stabbed a technician and another monk during an attempted cell eviction. The incident occurred when members of an ecclesiastical committee visited the 51-year-old at the monastery to notify him of a decision to hand over his cell and vacate the premises.
According to authorities, the monk reacted violently to the announcement and attacked a 53-year-old technician who was accompanying the committee. The attacker struck the technician in the neck and hand using a sharp object.
A 27-year-old monk who saw the attack attempted to intervene and disarm the perpetrator. During the struggle, the younger monk was also struck in the hand with the knife.
Hospital treatment and criminal charges
Both injured men were taken to Paphos General Hospital for medical care. Doctors stitched the wounds of the 53-year-old technician and kept him in the hospital for further treatment, while the 27-year-old monk received first aid and was discharged.
Officers arrested the 51-year-old monk shortly after the violence. Police filed charges against him including attempted murder, causing severe bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife, and illegal possession and transport of an offensive weapon.
Paphos CID is conducting the preliminary investigation into the case.
