Met. Theodosiy chosen a preventive measure in the fifth criminal case
The trial of Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Suspilne
On August 4, a session was held at the Cherkasy Prydniprovsky District Court regarding the case of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Kaniv and Cherkasy, during which a measure of restraint in the fifth criminal case was determined for the bishop, reports Suspilne.
The bishop is accused under Part 2, Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equality of citizens based on their religious beliefs). The defence, citing norms of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), argued that the night-time house arrest requested by the prosecutor for Metropolitan Theodosiy was not a proportionate measure for the charge brought against him.
However, the prosecutor argued that there was a risk of the bishop fleeing, exerting pressure on witnesses and influencing the victim.
Metropolitan Theodosiy, who participated in the court session via video link, said there were no such risks.
"I believe there is no risk at present. I am not hiding and do not consider myself guilty in any of the criminal proceedings initiated against me. Therefore, I am interested in proving my innocence. Moreover, the initiators of these proceedings are working to make me leave Ukraine and be exchanged as a 'prisoner of war'. I want to prove through Ukrainian courts that I am not guilty. Secondly, how can night-time house arrest prevent me from influencing witnesses? I have no desire or attempt to influence witnesses. I do not consider myself guilty and believe that our courts will prove my innocence," emphasized the UOC hierarch.
The court sided with the prosecution, and the judge granted the prosecutor's request: the defendant was placed under night-time house arrest from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM for 60 days.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Theodosiy said that the formal basis for the criminal case was a sermon delivered to one of the persecuted communities in the Cherkasy region. However, he believes the real reason lies in his refusal to be exchanged as an "enemy prisoner of war".
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