In Bukovyna, the court fined a UOC believer for organizing a procession of the Cross

A court in Chernivtsi Region fined a local resident for organizing and holding a procession of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The court motivated its decision by the fact that the event, which was held in early October, was held «in violation of the ban on mass gatherings, which is in force in Ukraine during the martial law period».

As reported by Zaxid.net, according to the ruling of the Hlyboki district court on October 29, Bukovyna resident Vasyl Tkachuk organized a «mass procession of believers» on October 13. The procession started in the village of Chagor and headed to the Holy Protection Nunnery in the village of Molodiya, Chernivtsi district. The court found that the organizer did not notify the local authorities about the event, as required by law.

The man’s actions were qualified as a violation of the law of Ukraine «On the legal regime of martial law», as well as non-compliance with the requirements of the Defense Council of Chernivtsi region, which explicitly prohibit mass pilgrimages and processions. The defendant did not appear at the court hearing. The judge ruled to impose a fine of 170 hryvnias. In addition, the violator must pay a court fee in the amount of 605 hryvnia. If the fine is not paid within 15 days, its amount will double.

Recall, we recently reported that in the city of Kovel, Volyn region, a clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was brought to court «for organizing and holding a religious procession without the appropriate permission of the local authorities». The subject of the trial was the fact that the procession was held on the territory of the local hospital, where the St. Panteleimon Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whose rector is the mentioned cleric, is also located.