The government rejected accusations of efforts to spare Tamassos Bishop Isaias of any criminal charges amid ongoing investigations of a major scandal surrounding the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
Fact: Investigations surrounding the golden passports scheme are moving forward, with some at the final stages, according to police chief Stelios Papatheodorou.
The Legal Service was convening to review the results of police investigations into the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal.
A meeting at the state Legal Services will be held this week on potential financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
Fact: Two monks at the Osiou Avakoum monastery scammed thousands of euros out of believers.
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.
– CCTV footage from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk is central to a growing scandal.
– The footage and a safe with potentially incriminating material are affecting three police investigations.
– The video surveillance system was installed with the monks’ knowledge but reportedly lacked audio recording capabilities, and access was restricted to a few individuals.
– Lawyers allege that an individual, formerly affiliated with the Tamassos Bishopric, enabled audio recording, which might explain the monks’ behavior in front of the cameras.
– The footage is being processed by a police unit specializing in financial crimes and will be used in investigations into allegations against certain individuals, including Bishop Isaias.
– Citizens have complained about the release of videos containing personal information, prompting potential investigation by the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.
– The Police Sub-Department for vulnerable persons is investigating a harassment complaint, focusing on an ethical issue.
– The situation at the Monastery is under thorough investigation by the police.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the scandal involving the Osiou Avvakoum monastery affects the entire society. He assured that all necessary actions would be taken, including the appointment of independent investigators to look into the matter. The scandal came to light when two monks were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and were recorded engaging in sexual activity with each other. The attorney-general’s office has appointed two investigators to examine any potential criminal offenses related to the case.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all aspects of the scandals at the Osiou Avakoum monastery will be thoroughly investigated. He responded to criticism from the opposition party Akel, asserting that the scandal does not reflect governmental failures. Christodoulides emphasized that any cases arising from the investigation would be brought to justice promptly, highlighting ongoing investigations into police responsibilities and allegations. The police have been criticized for their handling of the monastery scandal but have denied giving the church special treatment.
Cyprus’ Archbishop Georgios expressed regret over the scandal at the Osiou Avakoum monastery involving allegations of fraud, misconduct, and immorality among clergy members. He announced a thorough investigation into the scandals and urged police and authorities to fully investigate. The Holy Synod has tasked its judicial bodies with investigating the case. Additionally, the monastery is under scrutiny for being built on land protected under the Natura 2000 environmental policy, leading to legal action against the monastery, the church committee, and Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou for unauthorised constructions. Two investigators have been appointed to examine any criminal offences related to the case, and there are calls for the money laundering unit to investigate the church. Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis committed to fully investigating the scandal.