MOSCOW: Metropolitan Hilarion has categorically denied allegations that he possessed illegal substances and slammed his detention as a pro...
MOSCOW: Metropolitan Hilarion has categorically denied allegations that he possessed illegal substances and slammed his detention as a provocation, according to a post on his Telegram channel.
TASS has summed up key facts about the incident.
Accusations
A number of Telegram channels reported earlier that Metropolitan Hilarion has been detained in the Czech Republic after "a white substance" was found in his car.
Metropolitan Hilarion has categorically denied allegations that he possessed illegal substances, according to his Telegram channel.
He slammes his detention as a provocation
Metropolitan Hilarion is ready to cooperate with investigators in conformity with law and will use all available legal tools to defend his name, dignity, and reputation.
His Telegram channel’s editorial desk has called on the mass media and everyone who is following the situation to refrain from hasty accusations, disseminating unverified information and respect the presumption of innocence principle.
Metropolitan Hilarion’s lawyers hope for a fair resolution of the situation that will be based on concrete legal actions rather than on political expectations.
According to Metropolitan Hilarion’s attorney Michal Pacovsky, his client is suspected of drug possession, police are conducting a probe.
Police are refraining from comments.
Consular assistance
Metropolitan Hilarion, who has been detained in the Czech Republic, is receiving all necessary consular assistance, a source in the Russian embassy in Prague told TASS.
Threats to the Metropolitan
The incident was preceded by a long period of pressure on the Metropolitan and the Orthodox community in Karlovy Vary, according to a post on the Metropolitan’s Telegram channel.
According to the Metropolitan, in recent months, he has been receiving numerous anonymous threats, including death threats, urging him to leave his parish.
Reaction
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the Kremlin is unaware of Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Karlovy Vary.
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