Father Antonios, founder of the Greek NGO Ark of the World, has publicly stated that he cannot pay the €60,000 required to remain free following his conviction for abusive punishments toward children under the organization’s care.
In a written statement, he described the verdict as “predetermined” and criticized what he called the court’s “extreme bias” that led to the resignation of his defense lawyers and his own withdrawal from the proceedings.
“Living with my wife and minor child on a reduced salary, I am unable to pay even the smallest installment,” Father Antonios wrote. “I turn to every fellow human being, hoping for their support.”
The appeal comes after the Athens Appeals Court upheld and expanded his conviction, converting his 9.5-year prison sentence into a daily fine, which amounts to roughly €60,000 for him to avoid imprisonment.
Father Antonios concluded his statement noting that the sentence “paves the way for the suffering I have endured for years and will continue to follow as human justice allows.”
