Earlier, it was reported that the Security Service of Ukraine announced the “exposure” of three clergymen of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), accused of spreading pro-Russian views and “justifying Russia’s armed aggression.”
In Transcarpathia, UOC priest is tried for “propaganda of USSR symbols”
The Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor’s Office has served a notice of suspicion to a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for propagating Soviet symbols. According to law enforcement officials, as a result of searches, “propaganda materials” were allegedly found in the priest’s apartment, for the possession of which he may face a prison term. This was reported by Hromadske.
It is reported that on May 9, in the village of Mizhhirya, Transcarpathian region, men in the uniform of Red Army soldiers with symbols of the communist regime, namely St. George’s ribbons and various medals, came to honor the memory of those who died during World War II at the local monument to Afghan soldiers. One of them was a priest of the UOC, who was wearing a cassock that resembled a Soviet military uniform.
Law enforcement officers conducted an examination that confirmed the fact of propaganda of the communist regime and the distribution of prohibited symbols. In addition, during the searches of the suspects’ homes, they allegedly found a significant amount of “Russian propaganda materials,” and the priest even had a cold weapon.
Law enforcement officers notified both men of suspicion of public use of symbols of the communist totalitarian regime – Part 1 of Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This may result in restriction of liberty for up to 5 years or imprisonment for the same term.
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