As reported, on December 3, 2024, a court hearing was held in the Dolyna District Court of the Kirovohrad region, which considered a case of violation of the rights and freedoms of citizens based on their religious beliefs. The reason for the hearing was the actions of a local resident who, according to the investigation, insulted the OCU and supporters of this organization on social networks.
Another Ukrainian tried for criticizing OCU on social media
The Volodymyrets District Court of Rivne region has issued a guilty verdict against local resident Igor Kots, who in September 2024 posted critical comments about the OCU on Facebook. The judges ruled that Kots, by criticizing the OCU on Facebook, incited religious hatred and insulted the dignity of the organization’s supporters. This was reported by the regional publication Rivne Media.
As noted in the verdict of the Volodymyrets District Court, on September 2, 2024, Igor Kots left offensive comments against the OCU in one of the Facebook groups. In particular, there were statements aimed at inciting religious hatred, insulting the feelings of citizens in connection with their religious beliefs, which was expressed in the humiliation of the OCU parishioners, the use of propaganda for the exclusivity of the UOC, and the use of offensive names and characteristics about the OCU.
As a result, Judge Olena Ivankiv issued a guilty verdict and fined Igor Kots UAH 3,400, without deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities.
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