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.

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