Former abbot Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebid) of the UOC-MP remanded in custody with over 33 Million bail
According to Ukrinform, the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office reported this in Telegram, as conveyed.
"The court granted the request of the prosecutor of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office and chose preventive measures for the former abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the form of detention with the alternative of posting bail in the amount of over 33 million hryvnias," the statement said.
As a reminder from the prosecutor's office, the metropolitan is suspected of denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and violating the equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, regional belonging, and religious beliefs (Part 3 of Article 436-2, Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code).
As the former governor of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the suspect represented Russian aggression as an internal civil conflict. In telephone conversations with his parishioners, the metropolitan used statements that fueled national, regional, and religious hostility, as confirmed by relevant expert conclusions.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Lebid's detention has been extended until August 14th.
The prosecutor's office requested either detention or bail in the amount of 60 million hryvnias.
The prosecution claims that the metropolitan has assets amounting to this sum. Additionally, the cleric's bank assets were not taken into account.
In his statement during the court session, the metropolitan stated that he is not acquainted with the witness. He said that he has not done anything wrong and further asserted that he "has never been on the side of the aggressor" and "has never supported Putin."
