Lawyer: Suspicion notice against UOJ journalist is completely unfounded

Valeriy Stupnitsky's lawyer speaks in court. Photo: UOJ video screenshot

The lawyer for UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky stated in the Kyiv Court of Appeals that all the prosecutors' accusations are based on the results of a questionable examination and are unfounded.

"The notice of suspicion is based on the conclusion of a legal examination, but this conclusion shows that the experts exceeded their authority," he emphasized.

The defender explained that, according to the law, experts are prohibited from resolving legal issues and making conclusions such as "deliberate actions allegedly aimed at conducting subversive activities against Ukraine in favor of the Russian Federation" within the framework of criminal proceedings.

He also emphasized in his appeal that, "according to judicial practice, in order to incriminate 'treason', it is necessary to prove a connection with a representative of the Russian Federation," which has not been done.

"In this case, there is no evidence. Moreover, the articles that form the basis of the suspicion do not contain any subversive activities in favor of the Russian Federation. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Union of Orthodox Journalists website has published numerous articles condemning Russian aggression," the lawyer noted.

As previously reported by the UOJ, on July 3, 2024, the Court of Appeals rejected UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky's appeal against the decision of the Solomyansky Court to extend his detention for another two months.

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