Criminal Cases Opened Against Yelensky for Inciting Interreligious Hatred
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS press service
KYIV — The Territorial Office of the State Bureau of Investigations in Kyiv has opened a pre-trial investigation into possible criminal activity under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, based on a complaint from representatives of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This was reported by the Lavra’s lawyer, Archpriest Mykyta Chekman.
The investigation concerns the alleged incitement of religious hatred by the DESS head, Viktor Yelensky.
The grounds for opening the criminal case were statements made by the official during an interview with the television channel Suspilne Chernivtsi.
Representatives of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra appealed to law enforcement regarding the possible violation of the law by this high-ranking official.
Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for liability for deliberate actions aimed at inciting national, racial, or religious hatred and enmity, or at humiliating national honor and dignity.
Previously, UOJ's Ukrainian branch (SPZh) reported that Yelensky had stated that the destruction of the UOC cannot be considered a violation of religious freedom.
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