Fr Serhiy Chertylin's lawyers file a complaint about pressure on the judge
The judge reads the decision to extend the arrest of Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin. Photo: t.me/save_Lavra
On May 8, the lawyer for Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin, priest Nikita Chekman, spoke about pressure on the judge from law enforcement agencies.
Priest Nikita Chekman reported that "lawyers have discovered a breach of the confidentiality of the deliberation room." The priest considers this to be a "glaring fact".
"During the judge's presence in the deliberation room, investigator of the SBU Oleh Savenko and prosecutor of the Kyiv region prosecutor's office Dediuk entered it," said lawyer Nikita Chekman.
"In this regard, corresponding complaints will be filed with the Supreme Council of Justice, statements will be filed with law enforcement agencies, because this is sheer arbitrariness and blatant audacity on the part of law enforcement agencies," he underscored.
The defense side believes that pressure was exerted on the judge in this case: "The investigator and prosecutor probably spoke to the judge about what decision he should make and similar matters. This fact has been documented by us."
An the UOJ source said that even in the case of the trial of journalists, the situation with the judge looked strange.
According to the source, the judge went to the deliberation room and was absent for more than an hour, while the prosecutor returned almost simultaneously with him.
In addition, investigator Oleh Savenko spent the entire day at the Solomiansky court.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Priest Serhiy Chertylin believes he is being judged for being a priest of the UOC and to intimidate others.
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.