Metropolitan Pavel's defense proposes hearing 180 witnesses in court

Metropolitan Pavel. Photo: Suspilne

On December 11, 2024, another court hearing took place in the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv regarding the case of Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed), abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Suspilne reports.

During the session, Metropolitan Pavel’s lawyers delivered opening statements and discussed the procedure for examining evidence. The abbot’s attorney, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, stated that the metropolitan was fulfilling his duties to defend and represent the interests of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra brethren and the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"Metropolitan Pavel was specifically entrusted with the responsibility to represent and defend the brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Therefore, considering the situation surrounding the termination of the lease agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the reserve, which arose at that time… Metropolitan Pavel has made and continues to make a significant contribution to the preservation and development of the reserve," said attorney Nikita Chekman.

The defense insisted that the criminal case against Metropolitan Pavel is politically motivated and orchestrated. The lawyers also emphasized that the court should hear testimony from more than 180 witnesses in the case.

The prosecutor, in turn, requested an extension of the restrictions imposed on the accused as part of the protective measures. These include surrendering his foreign passport and appearing in court upon request. Despite objections from the defense, the judge granted the prosecutor’s request.

The parties agreed on a schedule for hearings in 2025, with the next session scheduled for January 28.

As previously reported by UOJ, the Serbian Patriarch had earlier called on world leaders to intercede on behalf of the Lavra's abbot.

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