The Security Service has documented crimes by the head of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of the UOC-MP, Metropolitan Luka (Andriy Kovalenko). The cleric is suspected of inciting religious hatred in Ukraine.
This was reported by the SBU press service.
According to the investigation, the metropolitan publicly expressed his contemptuous attitude towards parishioners of other denominations. He repeatedly "mentioned" this during communication with believers and during church services. Additionally, the cleric posted provocative messages on his personal Telegram channel, insulting the religious feelings of representatives of other denominations. In this way, he destabilized the socio-political situation in the frontline region in favor of the aggressor country.
An expertise initiated by the Security Service confirmed the facts of the cleric's subversive activities against Ukraine's state security. Based on the collected evidence, he was informed of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equality of citizens based on their racial, national, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, and other signs).
The issue of applying preventive measures is being decided. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The perpetrator faces imprisonment.
It is worth reminding that in December 2022, personal sanctions were imposed against him by the National Security and Defense Council.
The comprehensive measures were carried out by the Security Service under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.