A criminal case has been opened in Kyiv against a journalist who incited hostility against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Shevchenkivskyi Police Department of the city of Kyiv has opened a criminal investigation against Bogdan Butkevych, a journalist for the Kyiv FM radio station. The case was initiated due to public statements made by the journalist that contained elements of incitement to religious hatred.

As Archpriest Nikita Chekman, a lawyer for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, clarified on his Telegram channel, the decision to open the case was made by the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv. The lawyer, who represents the interests of believers and communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, emphasized that freedom of speech is not a justification for violating the law or infringing on citizens’ rights.

The basis for the human rights defenders’ appeal to law enforcement agencies was Butkevych’s statements, which were broadcast on the radio station. The journalist made gross insults against the clergy and parishioners of the UOC, using offensive epithets and making unfounded accusations against the clergy. In addition, during the program, threats and aggressive statements were made against members of the legal community who defend the church’s interests in court.

It is worth noting that this broadcast on Kyiv FM generated widespread public outcry. Earlier on the same program, activist Marina Koval also leveled accusations against UOC lawyers, calling their work a defense of “traitors.” Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident in accordance with current criminal law.