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Supermarket attacker ‘stabbed victim for breaking up with him’

Cyprus Mail · 2026-08-07

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A 31-year-old man was charged with stabbing his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend, Zhanerke Abdrazakova, multiple times at a supermarket in northern Nicosia after she ended their relationship. • Why it matters: The incident underscores serious concerns regarding domestic violence and relationship-related crimes in Cyprus, prompting discussions about safety and support for victims. • What to watch next: The ongoing investigation will continue to gather evidence, including witness statements and security footage, while the suspect's remand has been extended as the case develops in court.

**Title: Supermarket Stabbing Incident Linked to Relationship Breakdown**

**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A 31-year-old man has been charged with stabbing a 22-year-old woman multiple times at a supermarket in northern Nicosia, an act reportedly motivated by the woman’s decision to end their relationship. The incident occurred last Friday, and the suspect appeared in court for the second time on Friday, where details of the case were revealed.

According to a police officer's testimony, the suspect and the victim, identified as Zhanerke Abdrazakova, a Kyrgyz national, had been in a relationship since January. The relationship reportedly took a turn when Abdrazakova began working at a nightclub, prompting the suspect to travel to Cyprus from Turkey last Thursday. After renting a villa in the Kyrenia district, he arranged for Abdrazakova to visit him.

However, during her visit, Abdrazakova ended their relationship and left the villa with assistance from her boss. Following this development, the suspect attempted to return to Turkey on Monday but learned that Abdrazakova was out shopping instead of working. He subsequently canceled his flight and went to the supermarket where she was shopping.

At the supermarket, the suspect purchased a knife from a local store and followed Abdrazakova to the Metropol supermarket in Taskinkoy, where he attacked her, stabbing her multiple times before turning the knife on himself. Eyewitnesses reported that he attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by members of the public, who intervened before he could escape.

Police confirmed that Abdrazakova is currently in stable condition but has undergone two surgeries due to severe injuries, including damage to several internal organs. Her condition, however, remains critical.

In the ongoing investigation, police have collected over 30 witness statements, with an additional ten expected in the coming days. The police requested an extension of the suspect's remand for a further seven days, which the court granted.

The suspect's lawyer claimed that Abdrazakova had extorted 1.5 million Turkish Lira (approximately €27,228) from his client through threats, suggesting that this aspect of the case should also be investigated. Furthermore, the lawyer noted that the suspect had been receiving treatment at a psychiatric center in Istanbul and was on medication at the time of the incident.

As the investigation continues, police are reviewing security footage from the supermarket to gather more evidence regarding the attack. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues surrounding domestic violence and relationship-related crimes in the region.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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