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Prime Minister Theresa May 'wants justice' for Dartford man George Low after Ayia Napa murder

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for the two suspects wanted for the murder of a Dartford holidaymaker in Cyprus to be brought to justice.

George Low, 22, was stabbed in the neck during an unprovoked attack in the resort of Ayia Napa on Sunday, August 14, and died soon after.

Cypriot police issued warrants for 43-year-old Sali Musa Ahmet and 22-year-old Mehmet Akpinar on suspicion of murder, but they were instead arrested by Turkish officers for trespassing a military zone in the north of the island on Friday, August 19.

George Low - "truly one of the good guys"
George Low - "truly one of the good guys"

Ahmet has been sentenced to a year behind bars having been found to have illegally crossed into the north 670 times since 2011, while Akpinar was walked free after serving a three month sentence while in custody.

Friends and family of Mr Low have launched a petition calling on the UK government to put pressure on the Turkish authorities to release the pair for a murder trial.

Today, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson asked the Prime Minister what was being done during PMQs.

Salih Ahmet and Mehmet Akpinar. Picture: in-cyprus.com
Salih Ahmet and Mehmet Akpinar. Picture: in-cyprus.com

Mrs May said: "The most recent time in which this case was raised with the relevant government was by the Foreign Secretary during his visit on November 30 to Cyprus, and he clearly set out our desire to see those guilty of this attack brought to justice.

"The Foreign & Commonwealth Office will continue to raise this issue and I am sure that the Foreign Office will keep my honourable friend (Mr Johnson) informed."

Ahmet and Akpinar reportedly admitted to the killing of Mr Low in court, but local deputy police chief George Economou indicated at the time that the north had not handed anyone over to the south for years.

Theresa May in the House of Commons
Theresa May in the House of Commons

Northern Cyprus has been inhabited by Turkish Cypriots since Turkey invaded the country in 1974, dividing the island in two. The northern third of the island is inhabited by Turkish Cypriots and the southern two-thirds by Greek Cypriots.

Estate agent Mr Low was with his friend Ben Barker, 22, at the time of the attack, which came on the last night of his holiday. Mr Barker sustained serious injuries but has made a full recovery.

“It’s hard for me to put into words how this has affected myself and all the other people that loved George, he was a true friend, my best friend," he said.

What happened to us was a disgusting and cowardly act. The two men responsible knew what they were doing and consciously acted with the attention to kill us both, I have no doubt that if not for George they would have succeeded.

“The attack was unprovoked and I am I extremely upset and angry in the knowledge that one of them has already been released, all I want is justice for the murder of my best friend and call upon anyone who is in a position to help to do all that they can.”

George Low
George Low

George's parents, Martyn and Helen, added: “We need justice for our son George Low and his friend Ben Barker whose lives drastically changed forever on the August 14 this year.

“George was the most kind-hearted, thoughtful, genuine and popular young man who made an eternal impression on everyone he met. We are extremely proud and privileged to call George our son.

“Our family are heartbroken that George's life was so tragically taken from us after only 22 years, gone within minutes through an act of senseless violence.

“We feel angry and bitter, every emotion possible rolled into one, the suspects don't realise the immense pain they have put our family through, we are truly devastated. George had so much more to give to life, he certainly didn't deserve this.

“We hope Northern Cyprus and Turkey put aside their political differences with Southern Cyprus and hand over the suspects to stand trial for the murder of George and attempted murder of Ben.”

Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to “captivating, charismatic, gorgeous George” at his funeral at St Margaret’s Church in Darenth Hill on Friday, September 9.

The family, of Ladywood Road, said the love and support from friends and family had “helped immensely in seeing us through this difficult time”.

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