Prosecutor seeks conviction of Father Antonios in Ark of the World abuse case
An Athens prosecutor has called for the conviction of Father Antonios on five charges related to alleged abuse at the Ark of the World children’s charity.
During a two-hour testimony Monday, the prosecutor also recommended the conviction of six of eight defendants, while seeking the acquittal of two others.
The prosecutor found sufficient evidence of abuse at the charity’s facilities in Volos and Chios, but expressed doubts about incidents in Kalamata, Athens and Pogoniani. The trial will continue with closing statements from both sides.
Father Antonios was accused of playing an “active and dominant role” in the charity, contradicting his claims that he only provided spiritual guidance. Witnesses testified that he had unquestioned authority within the organization. The charges include moral complicity in causing physical harm to minors.
The trial is focused on misdemeanor charges because the case was split. A separate trial dealing with felony charges, including allegations of sexual abuse, has not yet begun. Father Antonios is accused of sexually abusing two boys, a 19-year-old former resident and a 15-year-old current resident, at various Ark of the World facilities between 2020 and 2022.
