Ark of the World NGO under scrutiny after whistleblowers speak of abuse of minors
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The first arrest in a wide-ranging police and judicial investigation of one of Greece’s most prominent private child & mother services NGO, Ark of the World, came on Friday in the southern city of Kalamata, when the director of a shelter there was charged – and subsequently released – with possession of a handgun.
The weapon came during a search of the Kivotos tou Kosmou (Ark of the World) shelter/orphanage in Kalamata.
The specific NGO, with shelters and homes in four sites in the country, was founded by an Orthodox priest and his wife more than 20 years ago in the inner city Athens district of Kolonos.
However, in the wake of this month’s allegations by former tenants of the structures – when they were minors – of violence, and instances of sexual abuse, authorities initiated a major investigation, including auditors and social services staff.
The board of directors of the organization was hastily changed by the government, allowed under a law regarding NGOs and charities passed last year.
Officers of the financial crimes units also raided a shelter on the eastern Aegean island of Chios.
Related items
- Elon Musk was dazzled by... Eleni Tsolaki - "A wonderful way to wake up in Greece," he commented
- Skiathos: The sustainability of the island is the strategic compass for its tourism development
- Ministers attend commemorative events for Lord Byron in London, Missolonghi
- Crete's authorities, population taking part in largest Greek earthquake exercise; to serve as model
- Def. Min. Dendias: Greek airspace will become impenetrable under defense reform
Latest from E.Tsiliopoulos
- Elon Musk was dazzled by... Eleni Tsolaki - "A wonderful way to wake up in Greece," he commented
- Skiathos: The sustainability of the island is the strategic compass for its tourism development
- Ministers attend commemorative events for Lord Byron in London, Missolonghi
- Crete's authorities, population taking part in largest Greek earthquake exercise; to serve as model
- Def. Min. Dendias: Greek airspace will become impenetrable under defense reform