Metropolitan Pavel (Pyotr Lebed) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has had his house arrest extended.
The court granted the prosecutor’s request to extend Pavel’s house arrest until July 1, with the requirement to wear an electronic ankle monitor, Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne reported.
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The decision was made by the judges of the Solomyansky District Court in Kyiv. “We ask to extend the house arrest until July 1, on the charge that Pyotr Lebed justified armed aggression and humiliated citizens because of their religious beliefs,” prosecutor Yevhen Zavistovsky noted in the petition.
The prosecution argued that during the investigation, it was determined that the Metropolitan could potentially influence witnesses.
Although the court session was briefly interrupted by an air strike in the capital, it resumed after the break.
Pavel’s defense lawyers requested an alternative preventive measure, citing his health condition related to diabetes.
They argued for the removal of the electronic ankle monitor. However, the court upheld the decision to extend the house arrest.
On April 13, Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, opened proceedings based on Pavel’s complaint.
The Ombudsman received an appeal from the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (men’s monastery) of the UOC-MP regarding violating the right to freedom of conscience, religion, and discrimination, signed by Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chornobyl.
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In late March, the Shevchenkiv District Court of Kyiv ordered a round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Pavel. He was searched by employees of the Security Service of Ukraine and accused of supporting Russian aggression and inciting national and religious enmity.
During the May 29 trial, Pavel denied any affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate and expressed his discontent with the nickname “Pasha Mercedes” attributed to him due to his fondness for expensive cars.
“I wonder why I’m called ‘Mercedes’? I’ve never been an enemy. On what basis am I being held? I understand that this is political,” he said.
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