Prosecutor seeks conviction of Father Antonios in Ark of the World abuse case

Father Antonios Papanikolaou, founder and former head of children's charity Kivotos tou Kosmou (Ark of the World) is seen in a charity building in Kolonos, Athens in a 2017 photo. He is facing charges of embezzlement, money laundering and sexual abuse of minors. [Alexandros Vlachos/AMNA]

The legal battle surrounding the Ark of the World charity organization is entering a critical phase after an Athens court prosecutor on Monday requested the conviction of its founder, Father Antonios Papanikolaou, for five charges related to physical abuse at the organization's facilities.

The court's decision is expected by early November.

While this case deals with misdemeanors, Father Antonios is facing more serious allegations. An upcoming trial will address felony charges of child sexual abuse, based on accusations from former residents of the organization's facilities.

The court claims the priest used his influential position to commit these acts between 2020 and 2022. In parallel, he is also under investigation for forgery and financial misconduct.

He allegedly presented falsified documents during previous hearings and faces charges of embezzling...

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