A long period of tension and discord appears to have preceded the attempted murder that took place yesterday morning at the Monastery of Saint Neophytos in Tala, Paphos.
For several months now, the 51-year-old monk who was arrested had been suspended, with reports indicating his repeated failure to comply with the abbot’s instructions, which drove their relationship to the breaking point.
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Despite this, the 51-year-old continued to reside at the monastery, occupying two cells—one of which had previously housed his father, who has since passed away.
READ ALSO: Over two cells… he ended up in a cell: Here’s how the attempted murder at a monastery in Paphos unfolded
When, yesterday morning, the Abbot, along with other monks and a monastery technician, went to his cell to ask him for the key, tensions flared.
The timeline
According to testimony heard before the Paphos District Court, where the 51-year-old monk was brought this morning, the abbot asked the suspect to open his cell, where he found it in a state of great disarray. He then asked the monk to hand over the key, which the monk apparently refused to do, prompting the abbot to attempt to take it from his hand.
This led to a tense confrontation, prompting the 53-year-old locksmith to intervene.
READ ALSO: The Holy Monastery of Saint Neophytos Clarifies: What Led Up to the Attempted Murder
“When the 53-year-old stepped in to separate them, the 51-year-old allegedly attacked him and struck him in the throat and on his right arm with a sharp object. At that point, a 27-year-old monk grabbed the suspect from behind with his hands in an attempt to stop him from attacking, and the suspect then used his left hand injured the other complainant on the right side with the blade of a paper cutter he was holding.”
Case Investigator
“The two injured men were transported to Paphos General Hospital, where it was determined that the 53-year-old had injuries to his neck and hands. He was admitted to the hospital, and his condition was described as out of danger. The 27-year-old received first aid and was subsequently discharged.”
Michalis Michael – Communications Officer, Police Headquarters
READ ALSO: The Perpetrator Was a Monk: What Led Up to the Attempted Murder at a Monastery in Paphos
Police officers arrived at the scene and arrested the monk, who, during questioning, reportedly admitted to committing the crimes, noting that he acted out of a desire to clear out the cell on his own. The court issued an order for his six-day detention on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession and transportation of a weapon, and carrying a knife.
Authorities are continuing their investigation by taking statements and examining evidence.
Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:
*Featured image from the archive.
