Court Extends House Arrest of Metr. Arseny in Ukraine

Photo: svlavra.church.ua

DNIPRO, UKRAINE — A Ukrainian court on April 20, 2026, extended the 24-hour house arrest of Metr. Arseny of Svyatogorsk for an additional two months, while allowing him to attend medical appointments without prior court approval, according to proceedings held at the Checheliv District Court.

The hearing was conducted via video conference, with Metr. Arseny and his defense team participating remotely. Ukrainian parliament member Viktoria Hryb also attended, while supporters of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) gathered outside the courthouse. Prosecutors requested an extension of the strict house-arrest conditions, while the defense argued for a reduced measure, citing the Metropolitan’s compliance with all procedural requirements during his detention period.

Judge Tetiana Bezruk ultimately granted the prosecution’s request, extending the measure through late June. However, she approved a modification permitting medical visits without prior authorization, expanding a previous exemption limited only to emergency care. The court also agreed to return bail funds contributed by 20 donors. Metr. Arseny has been under house arrest since February 25 following 22 months in pre-trial detention, during which he underwent heart surgery in March. The next hearing is scheduled for May 13.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Ukrainian court released Metr. Arseniy to house arrest.

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