Athens’ Prosecutor of First Instance, Dimitris Nomikos, has recommended that Father Antonios from ‘Ark of the World’ stand trial at the Mixed Jury Court.
This recommendation is based on allegations of sexual abuse involving two minor boys, both residents of the ‘Ark of the World’ organisation’s facilities.
In his proposal to the Judicial Council, Nomikos stated that “there is sufficient evidence of guilt to support public charges against the defendant for the crime of child exploitation, with one victim under 14 years old and another over 14 years old, both on multiple occasions and repeatedly.”
Father Antonios, who still leads ‘Ark of the World’ (Kivotos Tou Kosmou) responded to the allegations by saying he is “saddened,” “distressed,” and “surprised.”
He added, “We have dedicated our lives, twenty-five whole years, to children in need and at risk.”
The prosecutor dismissed all claims made by the accused, who has denied the allegations from the start.
“The defendant’s claims cannot be accepted, as there is a multitude of cross-verified and repeatedly confirmed witness statements from people who worked at or were hosted by ‘Ark of the World,’ or who had personal interactions with the victims, all confirming the allegations either by recounting what the victims had told them at an unsuspecting time (and prior to the official complaints) or by their own observations (especially regarding the particular relationships the defendant had with the victims),” Nomikos stated.
The case file reveals that Father Antonios acted in a consistent manner, with victims describing a steady and repetitive behavior aimed at sexual gratification.
Nomikos also requested that the restrictive measures imposed on Father Antonios after his testimony be maintained.
