A defrocked Greek Orthodox priest was charged on Thursday with multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm over an acid attack that injured seven senior bishops and three other people.
The 37-year-old Greek man was led to court in lay clothing, handcuffs, and under a heavily armed police escort.
He was arrested by a police guard late Wednesday after he allegedly threw acid at the bishops following their announcement, at a disciplinary hearing, that he had been formally removed from the clergy for alleged misconduct.
![A police officer on a motorcycle exits the Petraki Monastery in Athens, following an attack with a caustic liquid on Wednesday. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NI6TZELFCFO4TZ6KLZIMCZKJGM.jpg?auth=d7d0bb1b0a13324379b4fbc8f5d252d7cc3137a917e585676af8b1c6ac4cb016&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The victims of the attack were hospitalised with burns, two in more serious condition. The arresting police officer was also hospitalised with burns. Most were released Thursday.