Former priest Iakov Vorontsov declares hunger strike over closed trial

September 19, 2026 at 11:04 AM1 min

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Former priest Iakov Vorontsov announced an indefinite hunger strike on September 16, 2026, during his trial in Almaty. He is protesting Judge Zh. K. Khusainov's decision to hold the proceedings behind closed doors. Vorontsov, who has been in custody for seven months, also refused communion from a Russian Orthodox Church cleric, calling the church complicit in war crimes.

Key Facts

Iakov Vorontsov has been held in custody for seven months on charges he calls fabricated.
On September 16, 2026, Vorontsov declared an indefinite hunger strike during a court session.
Judge Zh. K. Khusainov granted the prosecutor's request to close the trial, citing witness safety.
Vorontsov refused communion from Russian Orthodox Church cleric Alexander Ievlev, calling Patriarch Kirill a heretic.

Hunger Strike Declaration

Vorontsov announced the hunger strike on September 16, 2026, during a court session in Almaty. He said the strike is a protest against Judge Khusainov's decision to hold the trial in closed session. The judge granted a prosecutor's request for a closed process, citing fears for witness safety. Vorontsov called the witness-safety justification absurd, saying his only weapon is the word of truth.

Closed Trial Dispute

Vorontsov accused the Almaty Police Department of fabricating the criminal case against him on political orders. He said the closed hearing violates his constitutional rights to judicial protection, publicity, freedom of conscience, and speech. The former priest has been in custody for seven months without conviction.

Refusal of Communion

Russian Orthodox Church cleric Alexander Ievlev offered Vorontsov communion at the start of the hearing. Vorontsov refused, telling Ievlev: 'Your patriarch is a heretic. Leave.' He accused the Russian Orthodox Church of complicity in war crimes in Ukraine and of promoting the 'Russian world' ideology.