Paphos District Court ordered on Tuesday that a 51-year-old monk charged with attempted murder against a 53-year-old employee of the Holy Stavropegic Monastery of Agios Neophytos in Tala, Paphos, remain in custody until October 7, when he is expected to appear before the Criminal Court in Paphos.
Announcing its decision, the court cited the seriousness of the offence the 51-year-old faces, noting that although he has some ties to the Republic of Cyprus, these are not strong enough to rule out a flight risk.
The 51-year-old also faces charges of illegal possession and carrying of an offensive weapon, and carrying a knife.
His lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, objected to his client’s detention, presenting a series of arguments for why he should remain free.
Alexandrou said the likelihood of his client being convicted was “almost non-existent,” adding that there was also no flight risk. He explained that his client was held in particularly high regard by people in Paphos district.
The defence lawyer added that the 51-year-old is a Cypriot citizen who has lived in Cyprus for the past 25 years. He is a monk based at the Monastery of Agios Neophytos and, according to his lawyer, has neither the motive nor the reason to leave Cyprus.
Alexandrou also said the 51-year-old has “extremely strong ties” to Cyprus.
The prosecution’s representative, for her part, requested that the 51-year-old remain in custody until he is brought before the Paphos Criminal Court, citing the seriousness of the offence he faces.
The case is now expected to go before the Paphos Criminal Court on October 7, and the 51-year-old will remain in custody until then.
(Cyprus News Agency)
