Three 18-year-old Swedish citizens have been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of the aggravated assault of a 47-year-old Turkish Cypriot man in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa. The victim is still in an induced coma and on a ventilator in hospital after sustaining very serious head injuries.
The arrests were made early Monday morning after Cypriot police gathered witness statements and reviewed surveillance footage. A court in Famagusta subsequently ordered that the three suspects be held in custody for eight days while the investigation continues. They are suspected of aggravated assault.
According to Cypriot media, the three youths were traveling on Swedish passports and were about to leave the island later on Monday before they were apprehended. At the same time, police reportedly identified a fourth suspect who is still being sought.
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According to information from the Cypriot news agency CNA, cited by several media outlets, the three suspects are Swedish citizens of Albanian, Chilean, and Iraqi origin, respectively. Authorities have not, however, made their identities public.
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Severe Head Injuries
The police investigation indicates that the 47-year-old man got into an altercation with the group during the early hours of Sunday. He was reportedly knocked to the ground and suffered a brain hemorrhage as well as a skull base fracture when he fell. Doctors describe his condition as serious but stable.
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According to the investigation, there is currently no information suggesting that the victim and the suspects knew each other beforehand. The sequence of events is still being investigated by the criminal police in Famagusta.
Political Reactions
The assault has also received significant attention on the Turkish Cypriot side of the island. Turkish Cypriot politician Tufan Erhürman has called for a full investigation and stated that contact has been made between relevant authorities to follow the case.
The case continues to be investigated as aggravated assault, while police are working to locate the fourth suspect.