Security Service of Ukraine exposes another Russian accomplice in a cassock
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has exposed another of Russia’s accomplices as a result of counter-sabotage measures it has taken in the frontline areas of Ukraine’s south. The churchman concerned has been notified that he is under suspicion.
Source: press service of the SSU; Zaporizhzhia Oblast Prosecutor's Office
Details: The offender is a deacon at a church in the Zaporizhzhia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). He publicly approved of the illegal referendum on the region "joining" the Russian Federation, the SSU reported.
He did this by activating an account on VKontakte, a Russian social media site that is banned in Ukraine, and reposting pro-Kremlin bloggers’ calls to support the sham plebiscite in his own name.
In his comments on the Russian posts, he urged people to come to the "polling stations" and "vote" in favour of the aggressor country.
In addition, the cleric posted messages in which he denied the existence of the Ukrainian people, language and culture. He also questioned the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. He took content from propaganda public channels on the Russian social media platform.
The Security Service of Ukraine initiated an independent expert examination of the materials posted, which confirmed the offender’s subversive activities.
During searches at his place of residence, law enforcement officers found computer equipment containing evidence of his crimes.
The cleric has been notified of suspicion under Article 436.2 (justification, recognition as legitimate and denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and glorification of its participants) and Article 161.1 (intentional actions aimed at inciting ethnic or religious hatred) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The measure of restraint to be selected is under consideration.
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