Turkish dissident detained after brutal assault

A foreign national is in remanded custody in Cyprus after being accused of kidnapping a man in Ayia Napa as well as assaulting him and his former girlfriend in her apartment in Paralimni.

Law enforcement authorities said the alleged incident took place on Monday night after 9pm, when the suspect assaulted a 47-year-old male and a 46-year-old female, both described as lawful residents in Cyprus.

Police declined to provide details but confirmed a complaint had been filed against a 41-year-old male suspect, who was arrested on aggravated assault charges.

Local media said the suspect, a Turkish dissident seeking asylum in the Republic of Cyprus, allegedly kidnapped the British man in Ayia Napa and drove him against his will to an apartment in Paralimni where the victim’s former girlfriend lived.

According to the complaint, the asylum seeker reportedly invaded the woman’s apartment by force while still holding the British man by the neck, hitting him in the head with his hands and feet while also assaulting the female victim.

Local media said the British man was rushed to the Emergency Room at Famagusta General Hospital where he was hospitalized after doctors said he had sustained a brain injury, a skull fracture, and a black eye.

The Norwegian woman reportedly was also treated for injuries before being released.

Police declined to say whether they were looking into motives or possible connections between the suspect and the victims.

Local media said the woman had managed to call police, who showed up, with the suspect jumping off the balcony and running away.

A warrant for his arrest was later issued on Tuesday and the suspect was apprehended Wednesday early morning at 7:45am. He then appeared on Thursday before a Famagusta district judge, who ordered him remanded in custody for eight days.

CID Famagusta is investigating the case while charges include kidnapping, assault including aggravated assault and making threats, and battery causing grievous bodily harm.