Court hearing on 29 November 2024.Photo: Suspilne.
On 29 November, the Sosnovsky District Court in Cherkasy held a regular session in the case of Metropolitan Theodosius (Denis Snigirev) of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC-MP. The court extended the measure of restraint in the form of nightly house arrest. This was reported by the Time Ukraine israel portal, citing Suspilne.
The course of the court hearing
Metropolitan Snigirev and his lawyer joined the hearing online. Prosecutor Kateryna Kostenko filed a motion to extend the preventive measure, stressing the risks that the defendant could obstruct the investigation or influence witnesses.
“The preventive measure expires on 2 December. Since the risks remain relevant, we ask to extend the nightly house arrest from 22:00 to 6:00,” Kostenko explained. She also noted that there is a suspicion that the Metropolitan is helping to avoid the responsibility of a key witness.
When asked by the judge about the need for an electronic bracelet, the prosecutor stated that wearing it was important for control, as the defendant had not provided medical evidence of health problems.
The defence argued against such arguments, noting that the suspect’s influence on witnesses was impossible, as the interrogations had been completed. The lawyer stated:
“The Metropolitan has already fulfilled all his procedural obligations. Therefore, the electronic bracelet is unnecessary, and the accusations of witness tampering are unfounded.”
Prosecutor’s recusal: lawyers’ request
Special attention was paid to the motion for the recusal of prosecutor Kateryna Kostenko. Gridenko’s lawyer accused her of using unconfirmed facts and political bias. However, the court dismissed the motion.
“Such actions only delay the process,” Kostenko said, adding that her allegations of the Metropolitan’s Ukrainophobic statements were based on witness testimony.
Court decision
The court extended the measure of restraint in the form of night house arrest for 60 days, until 27 January 2024. However, the court decided to allow the defendant to remove the electronic bracelet.
“The ruling is not subject to appeal, but if there are new circumstances, it is possible to return to this issue,” the prosecutor commented.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 5 December.
Background to the case
Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv has been on trial for over a year. He is facing a number of suspicions, including:
- inciting inter-religious hatred;
- denial of Russian armed aggression;
- subversive activities against Ukraine.
In April 2023, the Metropolitan was placed under round-the-clock house arrest, and in December – under night arrest. In June 2024, he was charged with a new suspicion of violating the equality of citizens on the basis of religious beliefs.
