Court sentences UOC metropolitan to two years in prison in case of inciting interreligious discord

In Ukraine, the trial against the former administrator of the Khmelnytskyy diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony (Fialko), has been completed. The court found the bishop «guilty of committing actions aimed at deliberate incitement of religious enmity and hatred in society».

According to the Glavkom newspaper, during the trial the materials allegedly confirming Metropolitan Anthony’s involvement in the dissemination of destructive content, contributing to the growth of inter-confessional tension, were considered. The prosecution presented evidence allegedly showing the violation of the relevant articles of criminal law.

As a result, the court sentenced Metropolitan Anthony to two years of imprisonment, which was replaced by two years of probation. In addition, the bishop was additionally punished by deprivation of the right to hold the position of the head of religious administrations and dioceses for a period of two years.