The 49-year-old, who coordinated the refugee work of the Benedictine Abbey, Schwarzach Main, central Germany, in August 2020, took in a refugee born in the Gaza Strip.
The 25-year-old had entered the European Union via Romania a few months earlier.
According to the EU’s asylum regulations, he was due to be deported back to Romania to make his asylum claim there but the monk took him in at the abbey instead.
READ ALSO Asylum Seekers At San Diego Border Told By Biden Administration To Await Approval Before Entry
Prosecutors had demanded a fine of 2,400 euros (2,900 dollars) but the court rejected their arguments.
Defence lawyer Franz Bethaeuser said that the judgment would be a “signal” that the justice authorities in Bavaria should not treat clergy or members of religious orders too strictly.
Monday’s decision is not legally binding and could yet be appealed.
READ ALSO Germany: Man Threatening To Kill Muslims Arrested By Police
0 Comment(s)