Appeals court of Thrace pronounced sentence on Abbot Ephraim / Православие.Ru

Athens, March 1, 2012

On March 1, the appeals court of Thrace reviewed the case of Vatopedi Abbot Ephraim, Monk Arsenios, and judicial representative of the trial court, Maria Psalti, and sentenced them to six months in prison with a three-year stay of execution, reports Sedmitza.ru, citing the Amen news agency.

All the above-named persons were found guilty of withholding information to the public about the court decision concerning the exchange of monastery property on the island of Vistonida. Maria Psalti was found guilty of violating her judicial obligation, and Abbot Ephraim and monk Arseny were found guilty of “inciting” this action.

At the same time, the judge acquitted Abbot Ephraim and Monk Arsenios of the accusation of violating court secrecy. In the former hearing, the five-member court of Thrace sentenced the defendants to ten months in prison with a three-year stay of execution.