A 51-year-old monk is under investigation for attempted murder after he allegedly attacked two other clergymen at a monastery in Cyprus with a sharp object. The incident took place at Agios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos on Friday, August 7, according to Cyprus newspaper Philenews.
Arrest and Charges
The monk was arrested following the incident. Local police said in a statement to PEOPLE: “The police arrested a 51-year-old man today at noon, to facilitate investigations into an ongoing case of attempted murder, acts intended to cause serious bodily harm, injury, stabbing, as well as illegal possession and transportation of an offensive weapon.”
The 51-year-old “allegedly attacked a 53-year-old and injured him in the neck and hand with a sharp object” and a 27-year-old “who was at the scene, injuring him in the hand with a sharp object”.
Investigation and Context
The monk was placed under investigation for attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife, and illegal possession and carrying of an offensive weapon.
Earlier this year, four Buddhist monks were arrested after drugs, porn, sex toys, and escort directories were allegedly found at their temple. Police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province, Thailand, on January 27, following reports that the monks possessed firearms and drugs. Footage showed officers finding 89,000 baht (£2,070) in cash, a pistol, a penis enlargement pump, a contact list of prostitutes, and a DVD player with a porn disc still loaded. Three monks also allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
