Criminal case opened against Ayder Mujdabaev for inciting religious hatred

Ayder Mujdabaev. Photo: Screenshot from YouTube video

On September 24, 2024, a court ruled that the investigator of the Pechersk Police Department should enter information into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations regarding a possible criminal offense under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, committed by Mujdabaev. This was reported by the lawyer, priest Nikita Chekman, on his Telegram channel.

The basis for the complaint was a video interview with Mujdabaev on the YouTube channel "Boryslav Bereza", published on July 14, 2024. During the discussion on the exchange of Ukrainian prisoners with Russia, Mujdabaev stated that UOC priests are "the best exchange fund. [...] Arrest UOC priests for treason and exchange them in Russia."

The journalist is accused of inciting religious hatred and offending the religious feelings of citizens.

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