Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, May 26, 2026
spbda.ru
His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) and his driver have been released from custody in the Czech Republic without charges.
The two were released without bail, written undertaking, travel ban, or any other procedural restrictions, according to his official Telegram channel.
The release comes two days after the Metropolitan’s vehicle was stopped by police on May 24. During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered four containers of white substance in the trunk.
Forensic examination has now confirmed that the substance found in the vehicle is a prohibited substance, according to information from the Czech side. Despite this finding, no charges have been filed against Met. Hilarion or the driver. Czech authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue.
The Metropolitan’s defense emphasizes that the discovery of a prohibited substance doesn’t answer the central question of how the items came to be in the vehicle. Met. Hilarion categorically denies any involvement in the illegal possession or transportation of prohibited substances.
Key issues for the defense include the circumstances surrounding the anonymous tip that led to the vehicle stop, the origin of the discovered items, who had access to the car before departure, and the procedures followed during the search, seizure, and handling of the alleged evidence.
The defense will seek a full investigation of all circumstances surrounding the incident.
This incident follows months of anonymous threats against Metropolitan Hilarion demanding he leave Karlovy Vary. According to the defense, these threats appeared politically motivated and connected to his affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate. Metropolitan Hilarion has been serving at the Russian representation church in the Czech Republic since January 2025.
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