Public figures call for creation of church commission to investigate Grozovsky case

Moscow, November 14, Interfax – Members of the public have called for the creation of a commission composed of bishops and clergymen to investigate the case of priest Gleb Grozovsky, who is accused of molesting schoolgirls.

“The purpose of this commission is to conduct an independent, objective and impartial internal investigation into this situation, which is in line with both church life structure and common sense,” the Orthodox figures said in their address to Patriarch Kirill, a copy of which was obtained by Interfax on Thursday.

The authors of the document believe the priest is innocent and is a victim of a smear campaign aimed at “discrediting Orthodox values.”

The address was signed by 21 people, including Vladimir Krupin (co-chairman of the Russian Writers Union), Valentin Lebedev (the head of the Union of Orthodox Citizens), Viktor Aksyuchits (philosopher and co-chairman of the Russian Christian Union), as well as several priests, journalists, and public figures.

According to earlier reports, Gleb Grozovsky has been put on the international wanted list and has been arrested in absentia by court.

Grozovsky earlier said on a social networking site he plans to return to Russia from Israel in the near future.

Grozovsky was sent to Israel to help alcoholics and drug addicts in mid-September. His trip was later extended by six months.

The priest denies his guilt, saying he was framed.