The case of a UOC-MP priest from the Cherkasy region who justified Russia's war against Ukraine is sent to court

Svitlana Chubenko, the acting spokesperson for the Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor's Office, told Suspilne.

According to the spokeswoman, it is a 51-year-old rector of the Holy Trinity parish of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC-MP.

“According to the investigation, the priest distributed images on the Odnoklassniki social network. According to the conclusion of a forensic art examination, said images contain symbols of the communist totalitarian regime and images of National Socialist (Nazi) symbols,” Chubenko elaborated.

In addition, the investigation materials indicate that he distributed videos in which he justified and recognized the legitimacy of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014.

Criminal proceedings were opened over the dissemination of symbols of the communist totalitarian regime and justification of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine (Article 436-1, paragraph 2, Article 436-2, paragraphs 2, 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

House arrest was chosen as a measure of restraint for the suspect.

If proven guilty, the priest will face imprisonment for a term of five to eight years, with or without confiscation of property.