SBU declares suspicion to Moscow Patriarchate priest

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

In Khmelnytskyi region, the law enforcement announced suspicion to the abbot of one of the churches of the the Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox Church.

He is accused of praising the activities of Russian President Vladimir Putin and justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the clergyman actively supported Russia’s military actions, in particular during liturgies, where he publicly praised Putin and accused the Ukrainian authorities of initiating military confrontation.

In addition, the abbot actively distributed Russian propaganda materials discrediting Ukraine on his page in the Vkontakte Russian social network.

Such actions contributed to the destabilization of the socio-political situation in the region and played to the interests of the aggressor country.The experts who conducted the examination confirmed the criminal nature of these actions.

The SBU continues investigation into the case. The priest may face up to 5 years in prison for violating the equality of citizens and justifying armed aggression against Ukraine.

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