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Woman stabbed in supermarket paralysed, doctor says

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A 22-year-old woman, Zhanerke Abdrazakova, was stabbed multiple times in a Nicosia supermarket, resulting in paralysis and irreversible spinal cord damage, according to Dr. Hasan Birtan. • Why it matters: The incident has sparked discussions on domestic violence and mental health issues, highlighting the need for improved support systems for individuals facing similar situations. • What to watch next: The assailant, currently in custody, is awaiting trial for attempted premeditated murder, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack continues.

**Woman Stabbed in Nicosia Supermarket Left Paralyzed, Doctor Reports**

A 22-year-old woman, identified as Zhanerke Abdrazakova, has been left paralyzed following a stabbing incident at a supermarket in Nicosia, Cyprus, last month. Dr. Hasan Birtan, the chief physician at Burhan Nalbantoglu hospital, provided an update on her condition on Monday, stating that she has suffered irreversible spinal cord damage and is reliant on a machine for breathing.

Dr. Birtan reported that Abdrazakova has lost all movement and sensation in her hands and feet, and although she remains conscious, she is experiencing serious neurological issues as a result of the attack. Her family, who are originally from Kyrgyzstan, have received training in caregiving to assist her during this challenging time.

The stabbing occurred on August 3 inside the Metropol supermarket located in the suburb of Taskinkoy. The assailant, a 31-year-old man, has been charged with attempted premeditated murder and aggravated assault. He is currently in custody and appeared in court most recently on August 14, where he was ordered to remain detained for a maximum of three months while awaiting trial.

According to court proceedings, the man attacked Abdrazakova after she ended their relationship, which had reportedly begun in January. A police officer testified that Abdrazakova had started working at a nightclub in July, prompting the suspect to travel to Cyprus. He rented a villa in the Kyrenia district and had arranged for Abdrazakova to visit him. However, after she left the villa with her boss, the relationship ended, leading the man to take drastic actions.

On the day of the attack, the assailant had initially planned to return to Turkey but canceled his flight upon learning that Abdrazakova was not at work and was instead shopping. He subsequently purchased a knife from a local shop and followed her to the supermarket, where he stabbed her before turning the knife on himself.

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

As the case unfolds, the community remains shocked by the violent nature of the attack and the severe consequences faced by Abdrazakova. The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence and mental health issues, prompting discussions on the need for better support systems for individuals in similar situations.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack continues, with authorities emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to such violent incidents.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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