Court keeps Metropolitan Arseniy in pre-trial detention

Metropolitan Arseniy (Yakovenko). Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

On January 30, 2025, the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk Region extended the detention period for the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk. His previous arrest was set to expire on February 2, but the court ruled to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in the Dnipro pre-trial detention center for another 60 days, until March 30.

This decision was made despite requests from eleven Ukrainian Members of Parliament from various factions, who petitioned for his release on bail or under personal surety.

Metropolitan Arseniy’s lawyers are already preparing appeals against this court ruling.

Additionally, during the January 30 session, the court began considering a defense motion requesting permission to broadcast the trial hearings on the YouTube channel and website of "Judicial Power of Ukraine." The lawyers had filed this motion three months ago, arguing that a public broadcast would allow all interested parties to follow the case. However, no decision has been made on this matter yet, and its review will continue at the next hearing.

The next court session on Metropolitan Arseniy’s case is scheduled for February 4, 2025, and will be held online. The hearing is set to begin at 1:00 PM.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Arseniy has been in the Dnipro pre-trial detention center since April 24, 2024. Believers continue to call for prayers for the imprisoned bishop and the brotherhood of the Lavra.

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