The Athens Three-Member Misdemeanors Court today convicted Father Antonios of the “Kivotos tou Kosmou” (Ark of the World) organization for five instances of physical abuse against minors under the care of the NGO, following a lengthy trial process.

The unanimous decision on his guilt also resulted in the conviction of four other defendants out of the eight total charged in the case, including former employees of the organization.

Father Antonios, who was once a prominent figure in the NGO, was present in court to hear the verdict, as was Stamatia Georganti, a senior figure within the organization. As of now, the defense attorneys of the convicted are requesting leniency from the court.

It should be noted that in a previous hearing, the prosecutor had requested the conviction of Father Antonios for five specific counts related to physical abuse of children in the NGO’s facilities. Additionally, the prosecutor recommended the conviction of five other defendants for related charges, while proposing the acquittal of two of the accused.

This case, ongoing for months, addresses accusations of both physical and psychological abuse of children in various “Kivotos tou Kosmou” facilities, which were led by Father Antonios at the time.