Russian Orthodox Cleric Denies Involvement After Substance Found in Czech Police Search
Details Surrounding the Incident and Investigation
Discovery of Substance During Police Search
LONDON, May 25 (Reuters) - A former senior cleric in the Russian Orthodox Church said on Monday that Czech police had found small containers of a white substance in his car during a search a day earlier, and denied any connection to those items.
Identity of the Cleric and His Response
Background of Metropolitan Hilarion
Metropolitan Hilarion, whose secular name is Grigory Alfeyev and who headed the church's external relations from 2009 to 2022, accused police of not following correct procedure during the search in the Czech Republic and called for an independent investigation.
Denial of Involvement and Claims of Provocation
He also "categorically denies any involvement in the illegal possession of prohibited substances and considers what happened to be a provocation," a post on his Telegram page said.
Allegations of Procedural Misconduct
Concerns About Police Conduct
Police did not inform Hilarion why his vehicle had been stopped and did not allow him to witness the search, the Telegram post said.
Context of Pressure and Threats
The statement said the incident was preceded by a long period of pressure on Hilarion and the Orthodox community he serves in the Czech town of Karlovy Vary, including anonymous and sometimes violent threats.
Czech Police Response
Official Statement from Authorities
A spokeswoman for the Czech police's National Drug Headquarters, responding to a request for comment, said the agency conducted a search after receiving an anonymous tip.
Ongoing Investigation
She did not comment directly on whether a substance had been found, on the identities of those involved or provide further details, citing ongoing criminal proceedings.
Editorial Note
(Editing by Bernadette Baum)
