Lawyer: With 98% of traitors in SBU in Crimea, we don't demand its ban
Fr Nikita Chekman, the lawyer for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: a video screenshot of the YouTube channel "Serhiy Shevchuk"
Fr Nikita Chekman, the lawyer for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, stated that just as no one bans the SBU due to the presence of traitors among its ranks, it's unfair to accuse the whole UOC for isolated cases of collaborationism among clergy. He made these remarks in an interview with the YouTube channel "Serhiy Shevchuk".
He explained that in 2014, around 98% of special service employees in the Crimea defected to the enemy’s side, and after the full-scale invasion of Russia, Ukrainian officials covered those who were supposed to prevent the mining of the Kherson region.
However, according to the lawyer, even these circumstances are not a valid reason to accuse all law enforcers of betrayal.
"But for some reason, they don't blame the whole SBU. We must be objective, and as a lawyer, I cannot afford to blame the entire service. There are specific individuals who have committed specific criminal offences. There are relevant law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating and bringing all those guilty to criminal responsibility," said the priest.
At the same time, the Lavra’s lawyer acknowledged that there are also isolated cases of collaborationism among UOC clergy, but unlike the SBU example, these are single cases.
"These are individuals who believe in the idea of the Russian world, believe in something unclear. With their actions, they harm the Church's reputation and the state. But I want to emphasize that there are very few of such people... The law is the same for everyone, whether they are law enforcers or clergy," added Fr Nikita.
As reported, an OCU "cleric" was found guilty of collaborationism in Kyiv.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.