Court repeatedly fines prosecution expert in Metropolitan Theodosiy case

Metropolitan Theodosiy in court. Photo: press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy

On May 5, 2026, another court hearing was held in Cherkasy in the case of Metropolitan Theodosiy, whom the authorities accuse of “inciting religious hatred” and “justifying aggression.” According to the Sosnivka District Court of Cherkasy, the hearing was again effectively disrupted because prosecution expert Anna Stromylo, who was due to testify, failed to appear.

The judge regarded the specialist’s repeated absences as contempt for the proceedings and once again imposed the maximum monetary penalty provided by law – UAH 6,656.

Recall that on March 19, 2026, the court had already fined Anna Stromylo for failing to appear. The entire case against Metropolitan Theodosiy over his pre-war interviews in defense of the rights of the UOC is based on her conclusions, which the defense says do not withstand criticism. In total, Stromylo is now required to pay UAH 14,976 for failing to appear in court without valid reasons.

Due to the absence of the key witness and the need to give the defense time to disclose its evidence to the prosecution, the hearing was postponed.

The next hearing has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on May 21, 2026. On that day, the court still plans to question Anna Stromylo and begin examining the defense materials.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the court again extended the preventive measure imposed on Metropolitan Theodosiy.

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