Mufti of Muslims of Crimea sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison
Emirali Ablayev. Photo: Muftiyat of Crimea Facebook
Emirali Ablayev, the Mufti of Muslims in Crimea, who headed the Russian-created "Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea and Sevastopol," has been sentenced in absentia by a Ukrainian court to 12 years in prison, according to a Facebook post by the Main Directorate of the SBU in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
The investigation established that the mufti encouraged Crimean Tatars to join the occupying forces and organized events where recruitment activities were conducted. Ablayev also appeared on Russian television, where he publicly supported Russian military aggression and justified Russian war crimes.
The court found the mufti guilty under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 3, Article 436-2 (justifying, recognizing as lawful, or denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and glorifying its participants); and Part 6, Article 111-1 (collaborative activity).
The SBU reported that the defendant is currently located in Crimea, but the agency is taking measures to ensure that he faces punishment.
As reported earlier, the High Anti-Corruption Court applied sanctions and confiscated the property of Metropolitan Lazar of Crimea.
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.