investigative committee

And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

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And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

An insensitive structure resembling a warehouse was built in a protected area by a Holy Bishopric, breaking the law. The construction of a monastery and a cove were completed illegally, with heavy machinery used to cut rocks. An illegal fundraiser was held to support the construction, offering lavish gifts as incentives. Additionally, a private individual built a structure on government land for a factory, later subletting it to the government for storage of pharmaceuticals. Despite the unsuitability of the structure, the contract was renewed until 2045, leading to damage of drugs due to exposure to heat and rain. The events described highlight the existence of a mafia state, as testified by Makarios Drosiotis.

Church needs to fix broken image

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Church needs to fix broken image

The Church of Cyprus is facing a public image crisis due to allegations of corruption and illegal activities within its leadership.

Money laundering investigations over monk scandal underway

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Money laundering investigations over monk scandal underway

Two monks at Osiou Avakoum monastery may be called to testify before the church’s investigative committee regarding a sex and cash scandal.

Lawyers demand procedure cancellation in St Habakkuk scandal

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Lawyers demand procedure cancellation in St Habakkuk scandal

The lawyers of the two monks from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk are requesting the cancellation of the procedure concerning the scandals at the monastery from the investigative committee handling the case.

‘Feverish pace’ over monk scandal investigations

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‘Feverish pace’ over monk scandal investigations

Police have secured bank details for the two monks involved in a scandal. The monks have not yet appeared before the church-appointed investigative committee. The committee is working diligently to review a large amount of material and aims to present its findings to an ecclesiastical court. The monks have not been called to make a statement yet, as the committee wants to be fully prepared. Police have access to the monks’ bank accounts and other records for further investigation. The monks were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and property, and were caught on CCTV footage engaging in sexual activity with each other.

Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

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Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

Russia observed a day of mourning with flags at half-mast after an attack at a rock concert outside Moscow resulted in 137 deaths, including three children, and 180 injuries. President Vladimir Putin declared the national day of mourning and promised to find and punish those responsible for the attack, which Islamic State claimed responsibility for. Over 100 people remained hospitalized, some in serious condition. Putin lit a candle in memory of the victims and expressed condolences in a national address. The attackers, who had attempted to flee to Ukraine, were said by Putin to have had assistance from the Ukrainian side, a claim Ukraine denied. The attack took place at Crocus City Hall during a performance by the rock group Picnic. It was the deadliest attack on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege. In response to the tragedy, Moscow residents formed long lines to donate blood, and billboards across the city displayed mourning messages. Countries worldwide expressed horror and condolences. Putin mentioned that 11 people had been detained in connection with the attack, including the suspected gunmen. The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated the gunmen had contacts in Ukraine. The U.S. shared information with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow earlier in the month, emphasizing that Islamic State bore sole responsibility for the attack and denying any Ukrainian involvement.

Evidence collection nearly done in Osiou Avakoum scandals

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Evidence collection nearly done in Osiou Avakoum scandals

Two monks involved in scandals at the Osiou Avakoum monastery will provide statements to the Holy Synod’s investigative committee next week. This step is part of the final evidence collection before a decision is made. The investigation by a six-member ecclesiastical court of the Holy Synod is not expected to finish before Easter. The committee is focused on reaching a reliable conclusion rather than the time the process takes. A CCTV video under police investigation will be considered in the final decision, despite concerns about its legality. Additionally, there are ongoing police investigations into sexual harassment allegations and possible financial crimes at the monastery. Theologian Theodoros Kyriacou testified in support of a sexual harassment complaint against the monastery’s head, filed by a former employee.

Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

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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

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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.

Sexual harrassment complaint filed against Avakoum monastery head

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Sexual harrassment complaint filed against Avakoum monastery head

A criminal complaint for sexual harassment was filed against the head of the Osiou Avakoum monastery by a former employee. The complaint, which reportedly contains various contradictions, was filed after the complainant spent two hours giving statements to police. The alleged incidents occurred a long time ago, and the complainant delayed coming forward due to fear of job loss. The complaint has also been submitted to the Holy Synod’s investigative committee, which is looking into an alleged “sex-and-cash scandal” at the monastery. This scandal involves two monks allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and engaging in sexual activity with each other. The attorney-general’s office has appointed two investigators to examine any possible criminal offenses related to the case.