Further sexual harassment allegations at water board
Fact: A fourth woman has stepped forward to file a complaint of sexual harassment against the same individual at the Nicosia water board.
testimony
Minors arrested, charged with car theft
Three minors aged 15, 16, and 17 were remanded in custody for five and two days for a case of vehicle theft in Paphos. The stolen car, worth €2,000, was found abandoned in a remote area in Stavrokonou after five days.
Larnaca man arrested in armed robbery investigation
A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a burglary in Larnaca that occurred in mid-February. This arrest followed the earlier arrests of a 40-year-old and an 18-year-old for the same incident. The burglary took place around 2am on February 19, where four individuals wearing hoods broke into a 59-year-old woman’s home, restrained her and her two domestic helpers, and stole jewelry, watches, and money. The police’s investigations led to the arrest of the two initially mentioned individuals on March 16, and further evidence led to the arrest of the 23-year-old. He is expected to be brought before the Larnaca District Court for a remand, and the Larnaca CID continues its investigations.
Man remanded in Nicosia car arson case
A 40-year-old man was remanded into custody under suspicion of being involved in a suspected car arson. Police received testimony against him for allegedly being involved in setting a car on fire in an open lot on Friday night at 7pm. He appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded for eight days.
Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations
– Bishop Isaiah of Tamassos testified for three days about financial irregularities and other actions by the monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, which he claims are criminal offenses.
– During his testimony, Bishop Isaiah mentioned a citizen’s complaint of sexual harassment against him.
– The complainant and theologian Theodoros Kyriakou also testified about the sexual harassment case.
– Bishop Isaiah provided evidence including photographs, audio recordings, and videos to support his allegations.
– It is suggested that the area around the bishop was under surveillance, but there is no indication of illegal recording.
– Monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk were aware that their actions were being recorded and allegedly tried to disable the sound unsuccessfully.
– There is no information about a video circulating that records confessions of the faithful.
– Priests and employees at the Bishopric of Tamassos testified mainly about the financial management of the monastery and denied any form of violence against the monks.
– The testimonies described interactions with the monks, including the transfer of a safe to the bishop of Tamassos and the monks visiting the Bishopric’s office voluntarily.
– The monks under investigation claimed they were pressured into admitting to allegations.
– Two monks who recently went missing are to be summoned for testimony before the investigative committee of the Holy Synod and have been seen in various places.
Theologian testifies in ongoing monastery scandal
Theodoros Kyriacou, a theologian, provided testimony regarding a sexual harassment complaint against the head of Osiou Avakoum monastery, filed by a former employee. Kyriacou was called by the police to give a statement about the allegations. The complainant had approached Kyriacou in early March through the NGO Accept LGBTI to share his story. Kyriacou described the complainant as a vulnerable person and refuted claims of the victim making contradictory statements. Accept LGBTI advised the complainant to seek advice from mental health professionals. The Holy Synod committee is investigating the allegations but has not disclosed whether the accused monks have been called to testify. Father Eleftherios, a committee representative, stated that no announcements would be made about the investigation until it is concluded. The police have also refrained from commenting on the case, which has seen no arrests in sixteen days.
Monks expected to testify soon in St Habakkuk Holy Synod investigation
The investigative committee of the Holy Synod is examining the issue of the Monastery of Sant Habakkuk in Fterikoudi, with two monks expected to testify soon. Victor Stelios, from the Secretariat of the Holy Synod, mentioned that the monks’ depositions might occur at the Monastery, depending on the committee’s decision. The process, following a decision by the Seven-Member Synodal Court, is now being handled by the investigative committee, which will later present its findings to the court for a final decision. The timeline for completing the investigation is aimed to be before Easter, but no specific timetable is set. The investigation’s progress may lead to additional witnesses being called. The police are also conducting an ongoing investigation into the case.