Fr Serhiy Chertylin's lawyers file a complaint about pressure on the judge
The judge reads the decision to extend the arrest of Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin. Photo: t.me/save_Lavra
On May 8, the lawyer for Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin, priest Nikita Chekman, spoke about pressure on the judge from law enforcement agencies.
Priest Nikita Chekman reported that "lawyers have discovered a breach of the confidentiality of the deliberation room." The priest considers this to be a "glaring fact".
"During the judge's presence in the deliberation room, investigator of the SBU Oleh Savenko and prosecutor of the Kyiv region prosecutor's office Dediuk entered it," said lawyer Nikita Chekman.
"In this regard, corresponding complaints will be filed with the Supreme Council of Justice, statements will be filed with law enforcement agencies, because this is sheer arbitrariness and blatant audacity on the part of law enforcement agencies," he underscored.
The defense side believes that pressure was exerted on the judge in this case: "The investigator and prosecutor probably spoke to the judge about what decision he should make and similar matters. This fact has been documented by us."
An the UOJ source said that even in the case of the trial of journalists, the situation with the judge looked strange.
According to the source, the judge went to the deliberation room and was absent for more than an hour, while the prosecutor returned almost simultaneously with him.
In addition, investigator Oleh Savenko spent the entire day at the Solomiansky court.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Priest Serhiy Chertylin believes he is being judged for being a priest of the UOC and to intimidate others.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.