A Greek Catholic priest in Russiato be prosecuted for photos in social networks

The rector of Greek Catholic parishes in Chelyabinsk and Kopiysk was charged with a public demonstration of Nazi symbols - the priest posted on his page on the social network the photographsof “Galicia” division. The administrative case materials were sent to Metallurgical District Court, deputy city prosecutor Olga Chubuk reported on Saturday, February 20,according toChelyabinsk. ru.

 "The joint audit by the Prosecutor's Office, the FSB, and the Center for Combating Extremism of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in Chelyabinsk region established that the priest of the Greek Catholic Church from May 2011 to February 2016 posted in his account on the social network the photos of “Galicia” Division, thus publicly demonstrating and promoting Nazi symbols,Olga Chubuk said.

“The pastor interviewed by Chelyabinsk prosecutor's office explained that he studied in Western Ukraine, he took interest in history,and the photos that he posted on his page arouse his interest. The photos depict soldiers of “Galicia” SS Divisionand feature a Ukrainian inscription saying “Time to remember the heroes,”“Galicia Division”. They did not start the war. They defended their homes.” He could have reposted these photos from his friends’ at the pages in social networks, he did not search for them purposefully. This year, the priest removed the image, he perceives the activity of Galicia Division as a certain historical fact.”

The priest was presented charges under Part 1 of Art. 20.3 of the Administrative Code (propaganda or public display of Nazi symbols).

 In addition, the deputy city attorney declared to the priest that in case of activities that contain elements of extremism, he may be subject to administrative or criminal liability.

As it was previously reported, on September 28, the Central District Court sentenced to two years of suspended imprisonment and the same probation term the coordinator of Chelyabinsk branch of the party “Democratic Choice” by Konstantin Zharynov for repost of the appeal by the "Right Sector"Movement.

The first Greek-Catholics in the southern Urals after the ban on Catholic Church and Polish uprisings emerged in the middle of the XIX century. The modern communities emerged after the exile in Chelyabinsk region of Ukrainian rebels in 1940-1950's.