'We can't grieve for our son until we get justice'

Martyn and Helen Low released balloons with family and friends to mark nine years since George died

"You go through all the different emotions, but the one that remains strong is the anger," said Helen Low, whose son George, 22, from Dartford, was stabbed to death in Cyprus in August 2016.

International and European arrest warrants have been issued against the two suspects, Sali Ahmet and Mehmet Akpinar, who fled to the Turkish-controlled north of the island.

Turkey won't hand them over to the Greek Cypriot south, but a lawyer helping George Low's family claimed Cyprus is refusing to release evidence because they want the perpetrators tried in the south.

But a spokesperson for Cyprus Police said there was no communication with Turkey, and described the political situation as a "big mess".

He said according to EU law, Cyprus can only send evidence to a state with which it has established communication, and the Turkish authorities don't recognise Cyprus so won't recognise the evidence.

"Turkish authorities must decide to arrest the suspects and send them to Cyprus," he added.

But International lawyer Michael Polak - who set up Justice Abroad to help British citizens navigate legal processes in foreign countries - said there were other legal avenues that can be explored, including provisions in Turkish law for the prosecution of certain offences in Turkey no matter where they take place.

He said evidence collected in Cyprus includes DNA from the weapons, potential CCTV relating to the perpetrators leaving the scene of the offence, and witness accounts.

"They've done a proper investigation, they've got the evidence sitting there. What we're asking for is access to that evidence so we can pursue justice for George," he said.

"We think it's much better if the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus who have a very good relationship get together and sort this out."

He added that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been writing every month to the Cyprus government. The FCDO has been contacted for comment.

Turkish Embassey in London said the investigation concerning Mehmet Akpınar was ongoing.

"In this context, the Chief Public Prosecutor in Antalya previously requested official judicial assistance from British Authorities related to the case," the spokesperson added.

'My best friend was murdered'

George Low was killed and Ben Barker (right) was stabbed in the attack

George Low was attacked in the resort town of Ayia Napa. His friend Ben Barker was also stabbed multiple times in the back, but survived.

After the suspects fled to the Turkish-controlled north of Cyprus both were allowed to leave the country.

Mr Akpinar went to his home country of Turkey, but Turkish authorities do not extradite their own citizens.

In 2022 Ben Barker said a man who identified himself as Mr Akpinar had been threatening him on social media.

He called on Cyprus and Turkey to put aside their grievances to allow justice to take place.

"'My country doesn't share evidence with this country'. I don't care," he said.

"My best friend was murdered in the street. Why would I care, why would Helen care why would Martyn care? It's unimportant to us compared to George's life."

Mr Low was killed in Grigori Axfentiou Street, near Ayia Napa square

Releasing balloons with family and friends near Dartford to mark nine years since George died, Mrs Low said she remembers clearly the moment her son Wesley told her what had happened to George.

"I was just calling him a liar, 'you're lying why are you lying why are you telling me something like that? That's not true'. But it was true."

She's angry that the suspects are "probably enjoying their lives".

She added: "They're probably not even looking over their shoulder any more, nine years on.

"We don't want to live the rest of our lives not knowing if we're ever going to get justice or not."

George's father, Martyn Low said: "I just hope that, in our lifetime, we get justice for George, and then we can put it to rest and try and grieve the loss of George."