Police initiate criminal cases following attack on believers in Zakarpattia

An OCU raider attacking a UOC priest in the village of Luh, Transcarpathia, during the seizure of a church. Photo: spzh.news

Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Iрor Klymenko, announced the initiation of several criminal cases after representatives of a private security company attacked a pregnant parishioner, worshippers, and a UOC priest during the forceful seizure of the Holy Spirit Church in the village of Luh in the Zakarpattia region. MP Artem Dmytruk reported this in his Telegram channel.

According to the MIA head, criminal proceedings have been initiated "in connection with the fact of self-governing actions committed on the territory of the church on November 11, 2023, regarding the infliction of bodily harm to the rector and two parishioners, as well as the violation of the equality of citizens of the UOC community based on their religious beliefs."

Additionally, law enforcement has launched an official investigation into the improper actions of the police, who failed to react to the actions of the raiders from the OCU and actively assisted them in seizing the church.

As reported by the UOJ, an individual in military uniform attacked a pregnant UOC parishioner during the church raid in the village of Luh.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.