A 51-year-old monk has been remanded in custody for six days in connection with an alleged attempted murder at the Holy Monastery of Saint Neophytos in Tala, Paphos.
The case also involves the alleged unlawful possession and carrying of an offensive weapon and knife-related offences against a 53-year-old monastery employee.
Court orders six-day remand
The Paphos District Court said the evidence presented established a reasonable link between the suspect and the offences under investigation. It added that his release could result in witnesses being influenced and therefore ordered his detention for six days.
The monk was arrested under a court warrant at approximately 1.30pm on August 7 and taken into custody.
His defence lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, did not object to the remand request. However, he stressed that the defence did not accept the allegations against his client or claims that he had made contradictory statements. He added that the monk remained at the disposal of the police.
Dispute over monastery cell
The court heard that the incident occurred at around 7.30am on August 7 at the Saint Neophytos Monastery.
The monastery’s abbot, Chorepiscopus of Chytri Leontios, approached the suspect’s cell, numbered A9, to ask him to surrender its key. The suspect had reportedly been using two cells, A9 and B5, for approximately four or five years following his father’s death. His father had previously stayed in cell B5, where the suspect later began living.
Several other monks were present, along with a 27-year-old novice monk and a 53-year-old technician who installs locks. The technician had been called to replace the lock if the suspect refused to hand over the key.
The suspect opened cell A9 and allowed the abbot to inspect it. After seeing that it was in considerable disorder, the abbot reportedly said workers would be brought in to clean it. The suspect responded that he would remove his belongings himself and closed the door.
When the abbot asked for the key, the suspect allegedly refused. A physical struggle followed when the abbot attempted to take it from his hand.
Two men allegedly injured
According to evidence presented in court, the 53-year-old technician attempted to separate the two men. The suspect then allegedly struck him across the neck and right arm with a sharp object.
The 27-year-old novice monk reportedly restrained the suspect from behind. During the struggle, the suspect allegedly injured the novice’s right hand with the blade of a utility knife held in his left hand.
The novice continued restraining him but released him after seeing that the 53-year-old was bleeding from the neck.
The technician was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Paphos General Hospital. Doctors found lacerations on the left side of his neck and his right upper limb. His wounds were sutured and he remained in hospital for treatment.
Suspect questioned by police
Police officers who attended the monastery located the suspect at the scene. During an initial conversation with an officer, he allegedly admitted striking the novice monk with the utility knife.
Investigators told the court that, when questioned, the 51-year-old admitted using the knife against both men. He reportedly said he reacted because he wanted to empty the cell himself and took the utility knife from a pocket inside his cassock after those present rejected his request.
The defence has said it does not accept the allegations attributed to the suspect.
Police seek further evidence
Police have so far obtained five statements and intend to take another 35 as part of the investigation. These will include statements from people living and working at the monastery, including seven monks, two cleaners, an accountant and a gardener.
A statement will also be taken from the surgeon who examined the 53-year-old. Police will secure footage from the monastery’s CCTV system and interview the technician responsible for it.
Evidence collected from the scene will be sent for scientific examination.
The suspect reportedly prayed with his eyes closed throughout the court proceedings. According to information obtained by Politis, he had been suspended from his duties several months ago because he repeatedly returned to the monastery late at night. He maintains that he had been visiting his father’s grave and returning during the early morning hours.
