Metr. Hilarion Released Without Charges as Czech Investigation Continues
Meter. Hilarion and his driver have been released without charges, but Czech authorities continue investigating how prohibited substances allegedly ended up in their vehicle.
KARLOVY VARY, CZECH REPUBLIC - Metr. Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church and his driver have been released from custody in the Czech Republic without charges following a police investigation involving the discovery of a prohibited substance in their vehicle.
According to statements published by Metr. Hilarion's representatives, the two men were released without bail, a travel ban, a written undertaking, or any other procedural restrictions. The release came two days after Czech police stopped the vehicle on May 24 and conducted a search that reportedly uncovered several containers containing a white substance in the trunk. Authorities have not announced any criminal charges, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Information released by both Czech authorities and the Metropolitan's legal team indicates that forensic testing has confirmed the seized material is a prohibited substance. However, the defense argues that the key issue is not the nature of the substance itself, but how it came to be inside the vehicle. Metr. Hilarion has categorically denied any involvement in the illegal possession or transportation of prohibited substances.
The defense has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, including the anonymous tip that led to the traffic stop, who had access to the vehicle before its departure, and the procedures used during the search, seizure, and handling of evidence. The incident follows reports of anonymous threats directed at Metr. Hilarion in recent months, which his representatives say were connected to his affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Czech Ecumenical Council of Churches suspended the membership of the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands.
