Monk pleads not guilty to attempted murder at Saint Neophytos Monastery

On October 26, 2026, a 51-year-old monk appeared before the Paphos Criminal Court and entered a plea of not guilty to charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of an offensive weapon, and carrying a knife. The charges stem from an incident on August 7, 2026, at the Saint Neophytos Monastery in Tala, Paphos, where the accused allegedly attacked a 53-year-old monastery employee and a 27-year-old novice monk with a paper cutter.

The conflict reportedly arose from a dispute over monastic quarters, as the abbot had requested the return of keys to a cell that the 51-year-old had occupied for years. When the employee attempted to intervene during the dispute, he was allegedly stabbed in the neck and hand. The 27-year-old novice was also injured while trying to restrain the attacker. The court previously rejected the defense's request for release on bail, citing the severity of the offenses and the defendant's status as a non-Cypriot national, which authorities argue poses a flight risk.

The court has ordered the defendant to remain in custody throughout the trial proceedings. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for February 16, 2027.