A 23-year-old man who allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old in the stomach at a Paralimni restaurant owned by the victim’s father has a troubled criminal past, according to information obtained by Philenews.
The 23-year-old, who permanently resides in the area, had previously attracted police attention for thefts and burglaries and had been released from prison on 12 August, just four days before the attempted murder.
Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality expressed concern through an announcement, calling on “the state to fully assume its responsibilities for the safety of both citizens and visitors”.
Attack witnessed by diners
The attempted murder was committed in front of restaurant patrons at 8:15pm on Saturday evening. Police rushed to the scene and found the 18-year-old had been attacked, resulting in serious injuries, whilst the perpetrator fled.
The 18-year-old was initially transferred to Famagusta General Hospital, where it was determined he had sustained a serious body wound caused by a sharp object. He was subsequently transferred to Nicosia General Hospital where he is being treated, with his health condition out of danger according to attending doctors.
The 23-year-old alleged perpetrator was found half an hour later walking in underwear in a Paralimni area. He was initially arrested for disturbing the peace, public nuisance and breach of peace after he began shouting when police approached. He was subsequently connected to the attempted murder and arrested for that offence.
Yesterday he appeared before Famagusta District Court, which ordered his detention for eight days. Famagusta CID continues examinations to clarify why the alleged perpetrator attacked the 18-year-old.
Municipality calls for state action
Expressing concern, Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality described it as an isolated incident but noted it constitutes an assault on the tourist area’s international image.
“Particular concern is caused by the fact that individuals with apparently troubled histories of criminal behaviour circulate unhindered, causing disruption to our society’s life and manifesting acts of violence,” the announcement stated, calling on “the state to fully assume its responsibilities” for citizen and visitor safety by strictly applying existing legislation.
The municipality thanked Famagusta Police Directorate “for immediate intervention to locate and arrest the perpetrator”.
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