Court extends Metropolitan Arseniy' detention in pretrial facility

Metropolitan Arseniy. Photo: facebook.com/svlavra

On October 8, 2024, a preparatory court hearing took place regarding the case of Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenko), the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, during which it was decided to extend his detention for an additional 60 days, according to the monastery's Telegram channel.

The court began the session by considering the prosecutor's motion to extend the arrest, giving the prosecution the advantage in discussion, while previously submitted motions by the defense were ignored. Moreover, the judge overlooked the absence of one of Metropolitan Arseniy' lawyers and commenced the hearing without his participation, depriving the defense of the opportunity to fully present its arguments.

The court also refused to consider a video recording of a sermon by Metropolitan Arseniy, which could have confirmed the absence of an offense in his actions.

The decision to extend the arrest was predictable and made despite appeals from eleven Ukrainian lawmakers requesting the court to release the bishop on bail or establish a surety.

The defense for Metropolitan Arseniy is preparing an appeal against this decision. The next court session is scheduled for October 10, 2024, and will be held via videoconference.

As reported by the UOJ, the lawyers for Metropolitan Arseniy were denied a request to remove the judge.

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