Czech police release Russian bishop after ‘white powder’ found in his car
Czech police have released Bishop Hilarion after he was detained on suspicion of drug possession. The Russian Orthodox Church claims the arrest was a politically motivated setup. Hilarion insists he was framed, despite forensic tests confirming the presence of a banned narcotic in his vehicle.
- ▪Bishop Hilarion was stopped by police in Karlovy Vary after a tip-off about narcotics.
- ▪Forensic tests confirmed the substance found in his car was a banned narcotic.
- ▪Russia's foreign ministry condemned the arrest as a deliberate provocation.
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Bishop Hilarion, whose secular name is Grigory Alfeyev, takes part in an awards ceremony led by Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 2 February 2022. Photograph: Alexei Nikolsky/ReutersView image in fullscreenBishop Hilarion, whose secular name is Grigory Alfeyev, takes part in an awards ceremony led by Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 2 February 2022. Photograph: Alexei Nikolsky/ReutersCzechiaCzech police release Russian bishop after ‘white powder’ found in his car Russia says arrest of Bishop Hilarion, who heads Orthodox congregation in Karlovy Vary, was politically motivated ‘setup’Pjotr SauerTue 26 May 2026 10.58 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 10.59 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCzech police have…
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