A 51-year-old Romanian monk is in police custody in Cyprus after allegedly attacking two men with a box cutter inside the Agios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos. The assault occurred on Friday when a delegation of priests visited the monk to demand he vacate his cell, which had previously belonged to his late father. Police say the monk became enraged, refused to surrender his keys, and instead grabbed a paper cutter from his desk, launching a violent attack.
Attack Details and Injuries
Investigators believe the intended target was Abbot Leontios, who had the authority to order the monk's removal. However, the actual victims were a 53-year-old monastery technician and a 27-year-old fellow monk. The technician, who was accompanying the committee, suffered stab wounds to his throat and hand. He was rushed to Paphos General Hospital, where his wounds were stitched, and he was admitted for further treatment. The younger monk sustained a hand injury while trying to intervene; his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was discharged after receiving first aid.
Legal Consequences
Following the incident, the monk was arrested and placed under investigation for attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife, and the illegal possession and carrying of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody due to the serious nature of the charges. Police have not released further details about the monk's background or the exact circumstances leading to the eviction order.
