Met. Longin’s lawyer: Judges wanted to ban video recording of the trial

Metropolitan Longin in court. Photo: Facebook video screenshot

Lawyer Valeriy Dutka for UOC Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) released a video from the courtroom showing the moment when the Metropolitan's health deteriorated before he was taken by ambulance. The court session ended with the Metropolitan in intensive care, Dutka reported on his Facebook post.

During the session, the court considered a motion to ban video recording of witness testimonies at the request of the victims’ representative, as prior recordings from the court had been posted online. The court approved the motion, banning filming, which drew Metropolitan Longin’s strong objections.

“Metropolitan Longin opposed holding the session in a closed mode because he believed the public had the right to know the charges against him. Nevertheless, the court prohibited video recording,” Dutka explained.

During the session, Metropolitan Longin suddenly felt unwell and was urgently hospitalized. Latest updates indicate that he remains in intensive care.

“We thank everyone praying for his health,” the lawyer added.

As previously reported by the UOJ, American lawyer Robert Amsterdam reacted to the developments during Metropolitan Longin’s trial. The human rights advocate stated on his X account that he condemns Ukrainian authorities for using the judicial system as an instrument of torture and intimidation of of UOC clergy.

Read also

Nebraska Pilgrims Pray at Gravesite of 'Apostle to the Plains'

Fr. Nicola Yanney - considered a saint by many in the Midwest - was the first priest ordained by St. Raphael of Brooklyn and reposed in 1918 after ministering to those suffering from Spanish Flu.

Estonian Parliament Overrules President, Moves to Ban Orthodox Church

Committee Chairman Ando Kiviberg defended the bill, prioritizing national security over religious freedom, though no specific threat from the church was cited. 

UOC Bishop Warns of 'God's Wrath' Over Forced Mobilizations

“War will pass," Met. Luke said. "But we must all live with its consequences. And our children, too."

Mel Gibson Begins Filming 'The Resurrection of the Christ'

Gibson has long described The Resurrection as the most significant project of his career, underscoring its personal and artistic importance.

God Created Our Universe, Claims Bulgarian Scientist - And Offers a Wager

Valentin Velchev offers a bottle of premium cognac to any scientist who can refute his scientific proof for the existence of God.

5th-Century Christian Church With Mosaic Found in Turkey

A newly uncovered inscription at the church entrance reads: “Only those on the righteous path may enter here.”