Court rules to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in SIZO till end of May

Court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy, March 27, 2025. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

On March 27, 2025, a hearing was held in the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk Region, during which the judge ruled to extend the pre-trial detention of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk. According to the press service of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, the judge granted the prosecutor's request to keep Metropolitan Arseniy in custody for another two months.

The defense argued for a change in the measure of restraint to one not involving detention, such as release on bail, personal surety by Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, or house arrest.

Metropolitan Arseniy’s legal team presented all the necessary evidence refuting the prosecutor’s earlier claims about alleged risks associated with his release from custody.

Eleven Members of the Ukrainian Parliament submitted official statements expressing their readiness to vouch for Metropolitan Arseniy.

“After hearing both the defense and prosecution, the court rejected the motions filed by the lawyers and MPs to release the Metropolitan, siding with the prosecutor’s request, which was not supported by any evidence,” the Lavra's statement reads.

The lawyers are now preparing an appeal to overturn the court’s decision.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 14, Holy Monday, at 13:00.

Metropolitan Arseniy has been held in pre-trial detention at the Dnipro SIZO for nearly a year – since April 24, 2024.

“Dear brothers and sisters, we ask for your prayers for the imprisoned Metropolitan Arseniy and the brethren of the Lavra,” the message concludes.

Supporters are also encouraged to contribute financially. Donation details are available on the Sviatohirsk Lavra’s official website.

As previously reported by the UOJ, an appeals court had earlier extended Metropolitan Arseniy’s detention until March 30.

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