What Father Antonios said after his conviction: He asks for help for €60,000
Father Antonios, after being sentenced to a fine of €60,000 by the Court of Appeals, is seeking financial assistance from the public, citing an inability to pay due to his reduced salary.
After being convicted and sentenced to a fine of €60,000 by the Court of Appeals for his involvement in abusive punishments related to the NGO 'Kivotos tou Kosmou', Father Antonios has publicly stated his inability to pay this amount. In a statement addressing what he describes as intense judicial bias, he expresses his hope to receive support from "every fellow human being" to gather the necessary funds. He notes that the court's decision was made in his absence and after his lawyers resigned, leading him to feel deprived of his defense rights.
Father Antonios, the founder of the NGO, claims that the conviction has caused serious personal and financial distress. He is currently living with his wife and minor child on a reduced income, which he states renders him unable even to make a minimal payment toward the imposed fine. He articulates a desperate plea for help, framing his situation not merely as a legal battle but as a humanitarian appeal to the wider community, urging those who can contribute to assist him in overcoming this financial burden.
This case has significant implications for public perception of NGOs and the legal system in Greece, particularly regarding cases of abuse within charitable organizations. The accusations against Father Antonios and the resulting legal proceedings raise critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children, under the care of such organizations. The outcome of this case could influence both public trust in NGOs and the judicial processes surrounding similar allegations in the future.