SBU took action against the UOC-MP priest in Borodyanka, whose church was used as a torture chamber by Russians

On July 7th, at 13:49, the SBU reported that they are investigating the collaboration activities of the rector of the UOC-MP church in the town of Borodyanka, Viktor Talko.

They are currently verifying information regarding his possible assistance to pro-Russian forces in the forced deportation of nearly 100 residents of the Kyiv region during the temporary occupation of the region.

Additionally, SBU officers are investigating the circumstances of the functioning of a Russian torture chamber within the premises of the church, which is under Talko's care. According to the preliminary investigation, the cleric offered the occupiers to use the basement of the religious institution for imprisoning members of the resistance movement.

It has been documented that from March 29th to 31st, 2022, the Russian occupiers held three Ukrainian volunteers there who had brought humanitarian aid to the local residents.

The Security Service has also initiated a linguistic examination to verify the public calls made by the priest in support of Russian aggressors in the war against Ukraine.

As part of the criminal proceedings initiated by the SBU investigators under Article 111-1, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (collaboration activities), the investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime.

Based on the results of the pre-trial investigation, the question of notifying the suspect and selecting a preventive measure will be determined. The perpetrator could face up to 5 years in prison.

These comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.