Ukrainian Man Faces Prison for Criticizing Trident Symbol in Churches

Fresco with the Trident & Wolfsangel, OCU Cathedral in Kremenets. [Credit: Typical Kremenets]

UKRAINE—A man in Ternopil region is on trial for criticizing the use of Ukraine’s national emblem—the trident (Tryzub)—in churches and on religious icons. He faces up to three years in prison for his remarks.

According to the outlet Za Zbruchem, law enforcement has opened a criminal case against the 63-year-old for allegedly "inciting religious hatred" after he expressed opposition on social media to the use of state symbols in places of worship.

During the pre-trial investigation, authorities found that the man "spoke negatively about religious reforms, actively criticized the placement of the trident on church icons and buildings, repeatedly demeaned official state symbols, and incited hostility and hatred among believers of different denominations."

The case is being overseen by the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

The Union of Orthodox Journalists in Ukraine (SPZh) previously reported that clergy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) have been placing the trident symbol on their clerical headwear and on their Iconostases, in place of the Cross.

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