Lawyer speaks about the role of SBU in the campaign against Lavra
Lawyer of the Lavra Archpriest Nikita Chekman. Photo: screenshot of Chekman's telegram channel
On July 20, 2023, the lawyer of the Lavra and Metropolitan Pavel, Archpriest Nikita Chekman commented on the situation surrounding the court hearing in the case of the “eviction of the monks” on his Telegram channel. He also stated that the security forces are exerting pressure on Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the monastery.
According to the lawyer, the investigator handling Metropolitan Pavel's case scheduled his interrogation for the same day and time as the scheduled session of the Commercial Court, where the Reserve's lawsuit against the monastery regarding the "eviction of monks" was supposed to be heard.
The lawyer said that the meeting was postponed because the investigator ordered the Metropolitan to be "delivered" for interrogation, during which Fr. Nikita had to be present there as the hierarch's attorney. However, Father Nikita did not manage to reach his client as the hierarch was taken away for interrogation, during which he refused to give testimony without his lawyer present.
“Look at what is happening in general,” explains the lawyer. “The reserve wants to evict the monks. They are holding Metropolitan Pavel, who is the head of the monastery and the only person authorized to sign, in custody. On that very day when the case of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra brethren's eviction is being considered, they exert psychological pressure on him, an elderly person with health problems.”
He mentioned that at all court hearings related to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra case, members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) are always present in the courtroom, documenting everything.
In the lawyer's opinion, they are there to exert psychological pressure on the judge, so that she doesn't make lawful decisions.
"They don't need lawful decisions; they need the decisions they want to carry out their criminal assignments," the lawyer concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the trial "for the eviction of the monks" of the Lavra was postponed to August.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.