The Monastery of Saint Habakkuk has become the centre of a growing scandal, with CCTV footage emerging as a key piece of evidence.
The footage, along with a safe believed to hold incriminating material, has significantly impacted three ongoing police investigations.
The video surveillance system, reportedly installed with the monks’ knowledge, was said to lack audio recording capabilities. Access was strictly restricted, with only a few individuals possessing the access code.
One individual, now departed from the Monastery and affiliated with the Tamassos Bishopric, is alleged by the lawyers of two suspended archimandrites to have activated the audio recording function.
This could explain why the monks appeared to converse freely in front of the cameras.
The recovered footage is currently being processed by a police unit specialising in financial crimes.
It will then be handed over to investigators probing those allegations. Footage related to accusations against Bishop Isaias and others will be provided to a separate team investigating potential misconduct by the Bishopric.
Meanwhile, a growing number of citizens have complained to the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection regarding the partial release of videos containing their personal information.
The Commissioner awaits the Police’s response before initiating an investigation into the CCTV system’s managers.
The Police Sub-Department for vulnerable persons has also begun investigating a harassment complaint filed last Sunday.
This investigation is understood to be focused on an ethical issue rather than a criminal case of rape. Individuals mentioned in the complaint will reportedly be questioned.
The emergence of the CCTV footage and the escalating number of investigations highlight the seriousness of the situation at the Monastery. Police investigators are committed to a thorough examination of all aspects and individuals involved.
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CCTV footage. Monastery scandal, CCTV footage, police investigations