Following the SSU’s investigation, head of one of the dioceses of the moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian orthodox church (UOC-MP) in Vinnytsia region has been notified of suspicion.

According to the findings of an independent examination initiated by the SSU, the metropolitan committed deliberate actions aimed at inciting religious hatred and insulting feelings of citizens in connection with their religious beliefs. Such materials were posted, in particular, on the priest’s personal website.

Therefore, the clergyman was notified of suspicion of crime under Article 161.2 of the CCU (violation of equality of citizens based on their racial, national, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds).

The SSU will continue to investigate and conduct examinations in relation to other activities of the suspect.

The SSU Office in Vinnytsia Region is conducting the investigation under the procedural supervision of Vinnytsia Region Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.