Lawyer: Fr Sergiy Chertylin is illegaly held in SBU detention center
A cell in the SBU detention centre in Askoldov Lane. Photo: informator.ua
On 14 March 2024, the lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman said on his Telegram channel that Archpriest Sergiy Chertylin was taken to the temporary detention center of the SBU, and not to the pre-trial detention centre as they were obliged to do after the court decision. He regards this as a possible attempt to put pressure on the priest.
Archpriest Nikita said that the lawyers are trying to get to their client to learn about his condition.
"The defence is trying to get information on what grounds he is still being held in the isolation ward. According to the procedure, after the court decision, arrested persons should be kept in the pre-trial detention center," he said.
According to the priest, SBU officers often issue groundless orders to hold prisoners, motivating their actions by the fact that the suspect's life or health is in danger.
"We find it illegal. In such conditions, it is easier for SBU employees to put pressure on detained suspects," emphasized Fr Nikita.
He said that the defence lawyers will clarify all the circumstances and in case of violation of the rights of Fr Sergiy to file complaints against the illegal actions of the SBU employeers.
As reported, MP Artem Dmytruk said that Father Sergiy's arrest was an attempt to intimidate UOC believers.
Read also
Politician criticizes OCU cleric for "special support" of TRC
Vitaliy Kupriy commented on a sermon by an OCU cleric, where the latter called draft evasion a sin and urged to "reason with" such people through denunciations.
Armenian Church to hold council in Austria despite government obstacles
The Episcopal Council of the Armenian Church will take place in St. Pölten, even though a number of bishops have been banned from leaving the country and several hierarchs remain in custody.
Moldovan Metropolis bishop and faithful blocked inside a church in Moldova
Police blocked access to a church in the village of Dereneu, where Archbishop Petru of the Moldovan Church and parishioners were inside.
Why Phanar recognized UAOC ordinations involving self-proclaimed bishop – historian
The Phanar compared the participation of impostor Chekalin in the UAOC ordinations to zero in mathematics: whether you multiply by zero or divide by zero, the result is still one.
Pashinyan compares Armenian Church clergy to Islamists
The Armenian prime minister said in an interview that radical political sermons are being delivered in Armenian churches.
Turkish and Greek leaders to discuss religious agenda with Pat. Bartholomew
The President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece will hold a meeting and official dinner with Patriarch Bartholomew in Ankara.