Sloviansk court trial of Metropolitan Arseniy still pending

Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

Another preparatory hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra, took place on August 27 in the Sloviansk City District Court of Donetsk Oblast, according to the monastery's press service.

It is noted that due to the involvement of a new lawyer for the bishop, the court session was rescheduled to September 5. The judge granted the defense's request and provided the lawyer with time to familiarize himself with the case materials.

"Additionally, for reasons unknown to the defense, the court once again denied Metropolitan Arseniy and his lawyers' request to hold the hearings via video link. Despite changes in the operational situation on the front lines and the associated risks to the life of Metropolitan Arseniy and the convoy, the abbot of the Lavra will continue to be transported from Dnipro, where he is held in a pre-trial detention center, to Sloviansk to participate in court sessions," the statement reads.

The monastery reports that the next court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy is scheduled for September 5.

As reported by the UOJ, the court has extended Metropolitan Arseniy’s detention in the pre-trial detention center until October 13.

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