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

Dumenko "blesses" SBU facility for forensic examination

The head of the OCU noted the "special role" of the Institute of Special Technology and Forensic Expertise of the SBU.

ROC head: Attempts to impose special powers of Pat. Bartholomew are sinful

Patriarch Kirill stated that the doctrine of special powers of the Patriarch of Constantinople is being imposed from outside.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces LGBT festival near Sodom and Gomorrah

Israeli authorities are promoting a large-scale gay event at the Dead Sea on social media, which has caused criticism and bewilderment among Christians.

In Bila Tserkva, man nearly killed for greeting "Christ is risen!"

Two non-Orthodox individuals aged 19 and 23 tracked down a 35-year-old Orthodox Christian after an Easter greeting, knocked him down and inflicted several knife wounds to his abdomen and neck.

In Uganda, Islamists kill Protestant pastor after sermon

In Uganda, a Protestant church pastor who preached among Muslims was stabbed to death after a sermon.

Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”

A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.