Athens responds to Russian criticism of Ephraim jailing

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) and Abbot Ephraim (C) look at an Orthodox relic, said to be the Belt of the Virgin Mary, from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, in St. Petersburg, on 20 October 2011 The foreign ministry on Wednesday rejected criticisms by its Russian counterpart of the decision to place the abbot of Vatopedi monastery in pretrial detention. Responding to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry over the ruling of Athens appeals court to remand Abbot Ephraim in custody, foreign ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras said: "The rule of law holds sway in Greece," adding that Greece "does not accept lessons on such matters". Earlier, Russian foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich expressed his government's "deep concern" over the decision to take Ephraim into custody. "We are deeply concerned by the ruling of the Greek court to put him under arrest before the trial, despite the recommendations of the European Court of Human Rights," he said. Ephraim, 56, the head monk of the Vatopedi monastery of Mount Athos, is accused of inciting officials to commit acts of fraud, perjury and money-laundering, a charge that can fetch him a jail term of several years. The decision to remand him in custody generated criticism in the country and abroad, most notably in Russia. Delavekouras said: "Greece and Russia are linked by a deep relationship of friendship and understanding, one that is based on the common spiritual and cultural values of both countries. The two peoples, who participate in the common tradition of [Christian] Orthodoxy, which was passed on by Byzantium to Russia, have developed strong bonds between them." "Greece is a state ruled by law, with a lengthy democratic tradition and respect for human rights, where there is an absolute respect for the independence of the judicial system and a clear distinction between powers,” he added. “Greece does not accept reproaches over these issues." In October and November, Ephraim headed a relic-display fundraising tour in Russia, where he met the country's prime minister Vladimir Putin. His arrest has caused an outcry among religious and conservative circles in Athens and Moscow. (AMNA, Athens News)