UOC priest in Transcarpathia received a suspended sentence for wearing Soviet uniforms

In Zakarpattia region, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and his companion received suspended sentences for propaganda of the communist regime. The incident that prompted the trial occurred on May 9, when the men in a state of alcoholic intoxication publicly displayed Soviet military uniforms with prohibited symbols.

According to Zaxid.net, on September 18, Mezhhora district court found the rector of the Holy Ascension Church in the village of Lozianske Uladzimir Hnepa and his comrade Vasil Tserkunik guilty of “propaganda of the communist regime”. The priest was given a sentence of 1 year and 3 months of suspended imprisonment, and his accomplice – 1 year and 2 months of suspended imprisonment.

According to the case materials, the incident occurred on May 9 in Mezhgorie settlement. The defendants, being in a drunken state, dressed up in the uniforms of Soviet soldiers and went to the monument to Afghan soldiers, located near the village council.

The priest’s outfit attracted particular attention. He was wearing the epaulettes of a Soviet lieutenant general, as well as a number of Soviet medals, including “50 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War” and “For Victory over Germany.” Some of the awards with images of Stalin and Zhukov were attached to St. George ribbons. In addition, the clergyman had with him a cold weapon – a dirk of the USSR Navy.

During the court hearing, both defendants fully admitted their guilt. The court took into account as mitigating circumstances the fact that they had not previously been brought to criminal responsibility, are not registered with a psychiatrist or narcologist, and the crime was committed in a state of alcohol intoxication. According to the court decision, all the seized Soviet symbols are to be destroyed. The verdict can be appealed on appeal.

We will remind, recently in Volyn law enforcement authorities exposed the clergyman (confession in the media concealed – ed.), who allegedly received 10 thousand U.S. dollars as an undue advantage. For these funds he promised to “consecrate” a man subject to military service as a deacon, which would allow him to receive a deferment from mobilization. He faces up to eight years of imprisonment for what he did.