Defense team challenges witness in Abbakum Monastery trial

On Wednesday, the trial of two monks from the Abbakum Monastery continued at the three-member Criminal Court. The defense team focused on identifying contradictions in the testimony of the prosecution witness, identified as Father B, by presenting various photos and videos depicting daily life at the monastery and a confectionery workshop.

The defense counsel for the first accused directly accused the witness of lying, maintaining a line of questioning that began on the previous Monday. Meanwhile, the legal representative for the second accused submitted the aforementioned visual evidence, arguing that the content contradicts the witness's claims of oppression and unequal treatment. The defense suggested that these materials prove the witness's narrative is inconsistent with reality.

The proceedings are expected to be lengthy due to the significant volume of additional video and photographic evidence the defense intends to introduce. Consequently, the court granted a motion for an adjournment due to an unexpected absence and has scheduled the trial to resume on September 23 and 28.