Nicosia, Cyprus. Morfou Bishop Neofytos will face a re-trial on charges of violating coronavirus-related measures after the Appeals Court reversed a prior ruling that cleared him of wrongdoing. The case will return to Nicosia district court to be heard by a different judge.
Appeal overturns earlier acquittal
Three years ago, Nicosia district court found Neofytos not guilty of breaking the law regarding measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. The attorney-general appealed that ruling, and the Appeals Court found fault with the district court’s decision.
Charges linked to sermons and quarantine measures
In the initial trial, Neofytos faced charges of inciting the faithful to violate the Quarantine Law and the health minister’s decree on measures to combat the spread of the virus. The district court ruled that his sermon did not constitute incitement to break the law and that his speech during church services fell within the realm of his religious functions.
Appeals Court assessment of remarks
After reviewing the case, the Appeals Court said Neofytos’ own words were designed to incite disobedience to the law. It also said that “nowhere in his remarks did he make any reference to abiding by the law or the decrees in force.”
Background to the case
Neofytos, dubbed the ‘Anti-Covid Bishop’ by a section of the media, was charged after refusing to pay a fine for holding a public church service on Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021.
What do you think the re-trial could clarify about how religious speech is assessed under public health laws?
