SBU conducts searches in Pochaiv monastery
Source: Security Service of Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine searched the Pochaiv Lavra (monastery) in Ternopil region. The search is part of criminal proceedings regarding the involvement of the monastery leadership in inciting national enmity and hatred.
The Pochaiv monastery belongs to the Orthodox church of Moscow patriarchate. As the investigation established, the representatives of the Lavra published a post on the monastery’s website in which they insulted the national dignity of Jews, and also incited religious enmity towards representatives of other churches.
In addition, in this post, the clergy of the Moscow patriarchate questioned the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state. The forensic examination confirmed the presence of statements that incite national enmity and hatred.
The SBU continues investigation into the case. The Security Service stressed that all actions are carried out within the Ukrainian legislation, in compliance with the principles of impartiality towards religions and the rights of citizens to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.
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