The door of the investigating magistrate at the Corinth courts was crossed shortly after 11 AM by the abbot of the Mega Spilaio Monastery in Kalavryta, his assistant, as well as four other arrested individuals. It’s worth noting that all six are charged with possession and sale of religious relics and other ancient artifacts. The abbot is accused of attempting to sell an icon and a Gospel for 200,000 euros. The abbot appeared particularly agitated with journalists. Specifically, when a female journalist approached him to ask if he wanted to make a statement about the charges against him, he demonstratively raised his hand, striking her hand and pushing the microphone away from him.
Read: Antiquities trafficking at Mega Spilaio Kalavryta: “The icons belonged to my grandmother” the monk reportedly told prosecutors – Museum cameras under authorities’ scrutiny
According to Star TV sources, three of the six defendants have completed their testimony so far. According to reports, the abbot told police at the General Police Directorate of Athens that the icons in his possession and all the religious relics were inherited from his grandmother.
