Investigations into the Saint Habakkuk Monastery scandal intensify, with police now pursuing three separate inquiries.
Bishop Isaias’ initial complaint against two archimandrites has expanded. Police are now independently investigating a physical assault on a woman and a sexual harassment case, both allegedly occurring within the Monastery.
A citizen recently reported sexual harassment experienced during a visit to the Monastery. This follows reports suggesting a possible attempt to intimidate someone considering pressing charges.
Details of the alleged harassment and a subsequent incident within the Monastery have been provided by the complainant. Sources claim the complainant also notified the Holy Synod’s investigative committee. The monks’ spokesperson declined to comment, citing potential attempts to discredit the archimandrites.
Police proactively investigated a video showing a monk assaulting a woman with a belt. Archimandrite Porphyrios, the suspected monk, attended questioning alongside the Monastery’s head, Archimandrite Nectarios.
Both refused to provide information, while the alleged victim, declined to press charges, stating online it was her fault.
Following the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Legal Service for review. The physical assault victim may be summoned to explain her decision not to press charges.
Controversy surrounds the Monastery’s camera system. The archimandrites allege a specific individual, acting for the Tamassos Bishop, tampered with the system. They claim the cameras were initially programmed for video only, explaining why people spoke freely on camera.
According to them, someone with access activated the audio function, possibly under orders. A separate complaint regarding data protection has been filed, with authorities investigating who installed the cameras and activated the illegal audio recording.
Meanwhile, the other two investigations are progressing. Police are building a case based on witness testimonies and evidence to substantiate claims of criminal activity.
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