**Avakoum Monastery Fraud Trial Continues Amid Claims of Mistreatment**
The ongoing trial concerning alleged fraud at the Avakoum monastery progressed on Wednesday, with defence lawyers vigorously contesting claims made by a former monk regarding his treatment during his time at the institution. The witness, who has provided testimony about his experiences, alleges he endured harsh working conditions, had his personal documents confiscated, and was cut off from communication with his family while residing at the monastery.
During the proceedings, the witness presented several pieces of evidence to support his claims. Among these was a photograph depicting him building a snowman alongside another monk, which aimed to illustrate a more positive aspect of his time at the monastery. Additionally, he shared another image taken during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, showing him holding a camera that he had received with permission from his superior. He stated that he requested the camera as a means to capture memories, given that he did not possess a mobile phone.
A video from the monastery’s confectionery workshop in Askas was also introduced, showing the witness and fellow monks preparing sweets to the backdrop of Christmas music. While the witness acknowledged the authenticity of the footage, he maintained that it did not negate his account of the demanding work hours he experienced. He argued that although he was occasionally granted permissions, such as using a camera, this did not equate to being treated on par with other monks who had access to mobile phones or computers.
Defence counsel Kostis Efstathiou challenged the witness on various points, particularly regarding financial practices at the monastery. The witness had previously testified that there were no receipts for goods sold, a claim that the defence disputed. Efstathiou asserted that receipt books were indeed in use, but the witness countered that he had never seen one, explaining that his duties primarily kept him in the workshop rather than on the shop floor where such transactions would occur.
The witness also faced scrutiny regarding his personal identification documents. He reiterated that his identity card had been held by one of the defendants throughout his stay at the monastery. When questioned about a fainting incident he described in earlier testimony, the witness attributed it to a combination of exhaustion from overwork and a gas leak that led to carbon dioxide inhalation. The defence suggested that this explanation was tailored to support his case.
The court proceedings were adjourned after the defence requested a pause due to an unexpected absence, with hearings scheduled to resume on September 23 and 28. The two monks involved in the trial have denied all charges against them, which include conspiracy to defraud, forgery, theft, money laundering, and filing false tax returns.
As the trial unfolds, it continues to draw attention to the practices and conditions within the Avakoum monastery, as well as the broader implications of the allegations of fraud and mistreatment. The outcome of the trial remains to be seen, with both sides preparing to present further evidence and testimony in the coming sessions.