Lawyer: In the case of UOJ journalists, court takes the prosecution side
The lawyer told about the hearing, where the prosecution side (SBU) requests to extend the preventive measure for UOJ journalists and Fr Serhiy Chertylin for six months.
A court hearing was held in the Solomiansky District Court of Kyiv regarding the case of UOJ journalists and Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin to extend the investigation period for six months. Father Nikita Chekman, the lawyer, stated that the defense side filed for recusal as on May 29, a complaint from the defense regarding the suspicion notice and the prosecution's request to extend the pre-trial investigation period were submitted for consideration.
"But the complaint, contrary to the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code, was not even scheduled for judicial review. According to the requirements, it should be considered within 72 hours after the court receives the said complaint. However, the prosecution's request was immediately scheduled. The hearing is taking place today.
This case confirms that the court takes the side of the prosecution even before considering the case," said Archpriest Nikita Chekman.
The defense side is awaiting the appointment of another judge to consider this complaint.
As reported by the UOJ, Robert Amsterdam wrote letters to Ukrainian judges in defense of UOJ journalists.
