The SSU is conducting investigative actions on the territory of the Pochayiv Assumption Monastery of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The searches are part of a criminal inquiry into the involvement of the Lavra’s leadership in inciting national hatred.

According to the investigation, representatives of Pochayiv Monastery posted a publication on the Lavra’s website that insulted the national honour and dignity of Jews and incited religious hatred towards representatives of all churches except the UOC.

In the post, the UOC-MP clergymen questioned the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state separate from russia.

An SSU-initiated examination confirmed that the text contained statements inciting ethnic hatred and enmity.

The investigation is ongoing under Article 161 of the CCU (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, religion, disability and other grounds).

We emphasise that in its activities, the SSU adheres to the principle of impartiality to any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.

The investigation is carried out by the SSU Office in Ternopil region together with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Ternopil Region Prosecutor’s Office.