Government Spokesman Addresses Allegations Against Tamassos Bishop
In a recent press briefing, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis firmly dismissed claims that there were attempts to protect Tamassos Bishop Isaias from criminal charges in the midst of a scandal at the Osiou Avakoum monastery. “We outright reject this,” Letymbiotis stated in response to inquiries about rumored interventions by ‘government circles’ to exempt Isaias from potential prosecution.
Letymbiotis emphasized the government’s stance on transparency and due process. “If there is concrete evidence, we call on whoever has this evidence to give it to the relevant authorities,” he urged, signaling a commitment to justice regardless of the individuals involved.
The police have been scrutinized for their handling of the case, which now includes serious allegations such as money laundering, scamming, sexual harassment, and abuse. The decision by the Attorney General and police chief to postpone any action until after a Holy Synod meeting, as instructed by the Archbishop, has sparked debate over the separation of church and state.
“We are a state governed by the rule of law and as such, we must wait for the investigations to be completed, to have concrete results so that we can take a position,” Letymbiotis explained, reinforcing the government’s position on following legal procedures.
When questioned about the legality of the observatory at the Tamassos bishopric and other monasteries like Osiou Avakoum, Letymbiotis directed these concerns to the town planning department, indicating that such matters fall under their jurisdiction.
Members of Parliament have voiced their desire for a more extensive investigation into the church’s activities and potential money laundering connections. Letymbiotis concluded with a clear message: “We will not and do not intend to get involved in any ongoing investigation. I repeat, what we want is for the investigations to be completed and for there to be concrete results.”
