Lawyer speaks about the role of SBU in the campaign against Lavra
Lawyer of the Lavra Archpriest Nikita Chekman. Photo: screenshot of Chekman's telegram channel
On July 20, 2023, the lawyer of the Lavra and Metropolitan Pavel, Archpriest Nikita Chekman commented on the situation surrounding the court hearing in the case of the “eviction of the monks” on his Telegram channel. He also stated that the security forces are exerting pressure on Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the monastery.
According to the lawyer, the investigator handling Metropolitan Pavel's case scheduled his interrogation for the same day and time as the scheduled session of the Commercial Court, where the Reserve's lawsuit against the monastery regarding the "eviction of monks" was supposed to be heard.
The lawyer said that the meeting was postponed because the investigator ordered the Metropolitan to be "delivered" for interrogation, during which Fr. Nikita had to be present there as the hierarch's attorney. However, Father Nikita did not manage to reach his client as the hierarch was taken away for interrogation, during which he refused to give testimony without his lawyer present.
“Look at what is happening in general,” explains the lawyer. “The reserve wants to evict the monks. They are holding Metropolitan Pavel, who is the head of the monastery and the only person authorized to sign, in custody. On that very day when the case of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra brethren's eviction is being considered, they exert psychological pressure on him, an elderly person with health problems.”
He mentioned that at all court hearings related to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra case, members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) are always present in the courtroom, documenting everything.
In the lawyer's opinion, they are there to exert psychological pressure on the judge, so that she doesn't make lawful decisions.
"They don't need lawful decisions; they need the decisions they want to carry out their criminal assignments," the lawyer concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the trial "for the eviction of the monks" of the Lavra was postponed to August.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.