Kochi, June 4, 2019: A group of leading cultural activists cutting across religions has come out in support of Father Paul Thelakat, who is the first accused in a forgery case.

The group said they have confidence in the honesty and integrity of Father Thelakat, editor of the Sathyadeepam weekly.

The priest is the first accused in the case. Police probing the authenticity of a set of documents say they were forged and were allegedly used to defame Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church.

A group statement supporting the priest was signed by among others noted poet Balachandran Chullikkad A. Jayashankar, and R. Gopalakrishnan.

The say the priest has been active in the cultural spheres of Kerala for more than 30 years. He has displayed integrity and honesty and has fought for truth and justice, according to the statement.

The investigations must be carried out in an honest and transparent manner, the statement added.

Source: The Hindu