Ex-MP UOC protodeacon Novinsky declared suspicion of high treason

Vadym Novynskyi. Photo: Office of the Prosecutor General

Former MP and protodeacon of the UOC Vadym Novynskyi has been informed of suspicion of treason and "violating the equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, place of residence, and religious convictions" (Part 1 of Article 111, Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), as reported by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office.

"According to the investigation, the former MP, who was long associated with the 'Party of Regions' and the 'Opposition Bloc', has been spreading Kremlin narratives since the beginning of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014," the press release states.

The investigation suggests that the former parliamentarian's goal was to maintain the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which supports the armed aggression against the country. "The suspect spread the so-called 'Russian World' ideology," notes the Office of the Prosecutor General. “With the assistance of the Russian Patriarch, he became a curator for the ROC in Ukraine. The suspect carried out his orders and instructions to ensure that a significant part of Ukrainian society, who are believers of the UOC (MP), remain directly under the influence of the ROC leader.”

In addition, the deputy used his legislative initiative to "conceal the ecclesiastical-canonical connection and the inclusion of the UOC in the structure of the Russian Patriarchate of the ROC."

"The suspect gave interviews to the media, in which he made statements about other religious denominations operating in Ukraine, describing them in negative terms," the statement emphasizes. Such actions, according to the investigation, were aimed at inciting hatred and hostility on religious grounds.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation, with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine.

As reported by the UOJ, earlier Vadym Novynskyi claimed that the ban on the UOC could be viewed by the Ukrainian authorities as a "card" in negotiations with Russia.

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