Judge to UOJ journalist: What are we supposed to do, listen to you?
Valeriy Stupnitsky speaks in court via video link. Photo: screenshot of UOJ video
On July 3, 2024, a session was held in the Court of Appeals to consider the appeal of UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky against the decision of the Solomianskyi court to extend his detention for another two months until August 12, 2024. The authorities refused to transport Stupnitsky to the court building, instead connecting him to the session via video link from the pre-trial detention center.
The panel of judges – V. Gul., Ya. Melnyk, Yu. Matvienko – decided to reject the appeal and keep the journalist in custody.
The session had several notable features.
In particular, V. Stupnitsky was not given a full opportunity to speak in his defense. During his speech, one of the three judges interrupted him, stating that "they are not here to listen to articles." The lawyer's remark that this information was directly related to the case did not convince the judge. He told the defense that the judges did not convene to analyze the case materials. The judge then gave the floor to the prosecutor, who assured the attendees that the suspicion against the journalist was "well-substantiated".
The judges retired to the deliberation room for no more than two minutes. The entire session lasted about 13-15 minutes.
🙏 You can help the defense of Orthodox journalists using the following details:
Card: 5375 4112 1710 9227, send.monobank.ua
As the UOJ previously reported, the SBU added new charges to the UOJ case.
Read also
Orthodox Christians in Germany take part in March for Life in Munich
Several thousand people took to the streets of the city to defend traditional values and children’s right to life.
UOC church damaged by shelling in Dobropillia
The Holy Trinity Church in Dobropillia sustained serious damage as a result of military action.
Pope calls for weapons to fall silent and for dialogue in Ukraine
The head of the Vatican expressed regret over the intensifying attacks on civilians and called the ceasefire in the Middle East “a reason for hope.”
House Speaker presented with Ukrainian “icon” painted on HIMARS lid
The “icon,” painted on the lid of a HIMARS system, depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
UOC priest Pinchuk joins Constantinople Patriarchate
Andriy Pinchuk has begun serving in the Scandinavian Metropolis of the Constantinople Patriarchate as a “volunteer cleric.”
Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi: Kyiv terrorist was a militant antisemite
The religious leader said the attacker had called for “purges” and for the killing of Jews and Ukrainians.