Police arrested a 51-year-old monk on suspicion of attempted murder on Friday after he allegedly launched a knife attack inside a monastery in the Paphos district, injuring two people.
The incident occurred early Friday afternoon when members of the monastery’s church committee visited the suspect, instructing him to vacate his cell and leave the premises.
Authorities said the monk became enraged by the demand and attacked a 53-year-old technician who was accompanying the committee, slashing him in the neck and hand with a sharp object.
A 27-year-old monk who intervened to break up the assault was also injured in the hand.
Paphos Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect on charges including attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife, and illegal possession and transport of an offensive weapon.
The 53-year-old victim was transported to Paphos General Hospital, where he underwent stitches for his wounds and was admitted for treatment.
The 27-year-old monk received first aid at the hospital and was subsequently discharged.
