Suspect admits attacking Greek Orthodox priest in Lyon over personal dispute

·

A suspect has admitted to the shooting of a Greek Orthodox priest in the French city of Lyon last week over a personal dispute, prosecutors have said.

The 40-year-old suspect told prosecutors the priest was having an affair with his wife.

The priest, Nikolaos Kakavelakis, 52, was shot twice with a sawn-off shotgun outside his church on 31 October.

He spoke to police after coming out of a coma on Wednesday.

The shooting came days after three people were killed in a knife attack at a church in the southern French city of Nice.

It was initially feared to be a copycat of what French President Emmanuel Macron called an “Islamist terrorist attack” in Nice. 

READ MORE: Suspect in Greek Orthodox priest’s shooting freed, search widens in France

The motive for the shooting in Lyon was not clear at first, with officials opening an investigation for attempted murder

But the investigation progressed this week when the priest was able to talk to the police.

The suspect, who is said to be of Georgian nationality, was arrested at his home in Lyon on Friday, French newspaper Le Parisien reported.

The newspaper, citing a statement from Lyon’s public prosecutor, Nicolas Jacquet, said the suspect “turns out to be the husband of a woman who was having an affair with the victim”.

The suspect told prosecutors he had not intended to kill the priest, who was romantically involved with his wife, a 35-year-old Russian, the newspaper said.

The priest, who is recovering after surgery, had announced his resignation from the church a month earlier.

Source: BBC News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

A postcard brought to life: Billy Cotsis explores the soul of Patmos

There is something about the freedom of being out on the Aegean. One can visit small islands, more populated islands, deserted beaches or simply go fishing.

From tragedy to triumph: Christina Vithoulkas becomes Australia’s first female para drifter

Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways.

Program of the 11th International Summer University in Boston announced

The 11th International Summer University "Greek Language, Culture and Media" will take place from May 24-29 in Boston.

Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia hold student literary competition

The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced its annual Student Literary Competition, titled “From Greece to the World”.

Athens university develops first tool to measure TikTok addiction

A research team from the University of Athens has created the world’s first tool specifically designed to assess addiction to TikTok.

You May Also Like

Greek Australians named as finalists for Walkley Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism 2021

Two Greek Australian journalists have been named finalists in The Walkley Foundation’s Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism for 2021.

Elion Society of South Australia’s taverna night draws a packed house

On Friday, the Elion Society of South Australia’s taverna night delivered an unforgettable experience of Greek culture to a sold-out crowd. 

Andrea Michaels MP reflects on Cypriot family legacy at screening of ‘Two Homelands’ in SA

SA’s Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, and Arts, Andrea Michaels MP attended the screening of documentary ‘Two Homelands.’