SBU finds two communists among UOC clerics

SBU officers and a UOC cleric. Photo: ssu.gov.ua

On 27 February 2024, the SBU said that it had handed suspicions to two clerics of the UOC in the Transcarpathian region who "were ideological fans of the communist regime and spread propaganda of the former USSR".

According to the SBU press service, the UOC clerics "published enemy content, communist symbols and Soviet slogans" on their pages on social networks.

In addition, according to the security service, expert examinations carried out on their initiative "confirmed the facts of the clerics' criminal activity".

The SBU also said that during the search, their officers identified mobile phones and computer equipment that the clerics used to "propagate Kremlin narratives".

"Based on the evidence collected, both clerics were notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (distribution of communist symbols and propaganda of the communist totalitarian regime). The attackers face up to 5 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property," says the SBU press service.

Earlier, a priest in Transcarpathia was reportedly suspected of communism propaganda.

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