Czech 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’
TL;DR
- Czech police detained Bishop Hilarion on suspicion of drug possession.
- The substance found in his car was confirmed to be a banned narcotic.
- Hilarion was released without charge and claims he was framed.
- Russia's foreign ministry called the arrest a "deliberate, orchestrated provocation".
- The Russian Orthodox church described the incident as a "classic setup".
- Hilarion was recently demoted and reassigned following allegations and lifestyle criticisms.