Court keeps Metropolitan Arseniy in pretrial detention

Metropolitan Arseniy in court. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

On 6 November 2024, the Dnipro Appellate Court reviewed the defence's appeals on behalf of Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenkо) regarding the decision of the Slavyansk City District Court to extend his detention for two months, starting from October 13, as reported by the press service of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra.

The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Arseniy's lawyers, a prosecutor, as well as Ukrainian MP Viktoriya Hryb, who suggested bailing the bishop for his release. According to the MP, at least 10 parliamentarians from various political forces expressed their readiness to vouch for the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

In their speeches, the lawyers pointed to alleged violations made by the first-instance court, emphasizing that the implementation of this decision violated the basic rights and freedoms of their client as guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. The defense also suggested that the court consider a YouTube video that had become the basis for the criminal case against Metropolitan Arseniy; however, the court refused to view the footage.

After hearing the arguments of the parties, the appellate court denied the appeal from the lawyers and Ukrainian MPs, resolving to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in custody.

The next session of the Slavyansk City District Court in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy is scheduled for 13:00 on 19 November 2024 via videoconference.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Arseniy gave an interview to British media about the persecution of the UOC.

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