Metropolitan Hilarion says Czech police did not explain why his car was stopped or let him witness the stop and search, describing a period of pressure and threats against him and the Orthodox community in Karlovy Vary.

A Telegram post alleges the stop followed long-running pressure on Hilarion and the local Orthodox community, including anonymous violent threats.

The report frames the detention as part of a sustained pattern of pressure on Hilarion and the Orthodox community in Karlovy Vary.

The defense is seeking access to the stop’s camera footage and an independent examination of the substance, containers, packaging, and any possible fingerprints or DNA.

The Metropolitan’s lawyer accuses procedural violations during the stop and inspection, while Hilarion himself denies all charges.

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Authorities have begun questioning the clergyman, with legal procedures strengthened pending laboratory results.

Hilarion denies illegal drug possession and calls the incident a provocation, urging a thorough, independent investigation.

In a Telegram post, he reiterates denial of illegal possession and describes the event as a provocation.

He also accuses Czech authorities of improper procedure and again calls for an independent investigation.

Four small containers of a white substance were found in the vehicle’s trunk and sent to laboratories for analysis to determine composition and origin.

Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the ROC’s Czech branch, was detained in Karlovy Vary on May 24 after leaving a church, with findings of a white-substance in the car.