Feb 19 • 06:42 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece To Vima

Guilty again: Father Antonios for bodily injury to minors

Father Antonios, the founder of the Ark of the World, has been found guilty by the Athens Court of Appeals for a range of offenses related to abusive and punitive behaviors towards minors in his care.

Father Antonios, known for founding the Ark of the World, has been unanimously declared guilty by the judges of the Athens Triple Court of Appeals. The court's decision came after a review of the case, with the judges determining that he had exhibited abusive and punitive behaviors towards minors who were living in the Ark's shelter. This verdict marks a significant turning point, as the appeal court has been stricter than the initial trial's ruling, convicting him of more offenses than previously established.

In the initial trial, Father Antonios faced charges for a range of misconducts; however, the appellate court found substantial evidence to convict him of nine out of the nineteen charges brought against him. While the first ruling saw him convicted for only five offenses, the appellate judges' scrutiny of the case brought forth a broader array of misconducts categorized under serious bodily harm, instigation of dangerous bodily harm, and simpler forms of bodily injury to minors, underscoring the severity of the accusations against him.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Father Antonios himself, as it brings to light the systemic issues within organizations caring for at-risk minors. It raises critical questions about oversight, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable populations. This further scrutiny may prompt reforms in how such institutions are monitored and the necessity for stronger safeguards to prevent any form of abuse within their environments.

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