Father Antonios: Prosecutor calls for conviction in 'Ark of the World' case

The prosecutor of the Athens Court of Appeal has called for the conviction of Father Antonios Papanikolaou, founder of the 'Ark of the World', and four of his associates, for physical abuse and punitive practices in the organization's facilities.

The prosecutor requested their conviction for a series of incidents, while also proposing acquittals for certain categories, mainly those concerning the Chios facility. She recommended full acquittal for two defendants associated with it.

In her address, the prosecutor described Father Antonios as the person who had the decisive say in the operation of the organization, stressing that 'everything went through his hands'.

Particular emphasis was placed on the incident of prolonged isolation of a minor in the Ano Volos facility, with the prosecutor emphasizing that Father Antonios was aware of the measures imposed.

She also requested the conviction of the defendants for the beating of the same minor, while for one of them she proposed conviction for threats as well.

At the same time, she suggested acquittals for incidents in the Chios facility, while proposing the conviction of Father Antonios and one other person for a case of serious bodily harm against guests transferred from Kalamata to Kolonos.