UPDATE 1-Russian Orthodox Cleric Denies Link to White Substance Found in Car by Czech Police
Russia said the detention was a preplanned provocation and demanded Hilarion’s release as investigators tested the substance found in his car.
- On Sunday, Metropolitan Hilarion, born Grigory Alfeyev, was detained after Czech police found four containers of a white substance in his car trunk; Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Czech Chargé d'Affaires Jan Ondřejka on Tuesday to demand his release.
- Czech authorities initiated the vehicle stop based on an anonymous tip-off reporting narcotics transportation, according to the Drug Enforcement Center. Hilarion had been suspended from the Hungarian diocese in 2024 after allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies, before reassignment to Karlovy Vary.
- Laboratory testing confirmed the substance was illicit, yet Hilarion categorically denies drug possession, with his team questioning how prohibited items entered the vehicle. Czech authorities stated no one has been charged yet.
- Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the detention Monday as an orchestrated provocation aimed at discrediting Hilarion. Later on Tuesday, Hilarion and his driver were released from police custody without facing charges, though Czech authorities indicated the investigation will continue.
- Russia's Foreign Ministry contended the operation's basis on an anonymous tip reveals premeditation, while Hilarion's team reported prior death threats demanding he leave over his Russian ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. Unlike many Russian clergymen who backed the Ukraine invasion, Hilarion never publicly endorsed or condemned it.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The Czech police released the Russian Metropolitan Hilarion, who was detained on suspicion of drug possession.
Czech Police Release Russian Orthodox Bishop After ‘White Substance’ Found in Car
Czech police officers on Tuesday released Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church without charges after he was detained over the weekend on suspicion of drug possession. The post Czech Police Release Russian Orthodox Bishop After ‘White Substance’ Found in Car appeared first on Breitbart.
On Sunday evening, the Czech drug police stopped the Russian Orthodox priest's car. During an investigation, several bags of white substance were secured. Metropolitan Hilarion affirms his innocence. Russia is organizing a staging.
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Czech chargé d'affaires in protest.
Hilarion Alfeyev, former right arm of Russian Patriarch Kirill, was arrested after having been found bottles with a suspicious white substance inside his car. Russia speaks in "trap".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
