SBU raises new suspicions against Metropolitan Jonathan

The SBU has presented Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchyn and Bratslav with new suspicions – security officials claim that he allegedly justified Russian aggression, as reported on the Security Service's Telegram channel.

The SBU assures that Vladyka prepared leaflets in which he justified Russia's armed aggression and the temporary occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine.

"In addition, in his "propaganda leaflets", he called for the seizure of state power and the violation of the borders of our country. The mass-produced pro-Kremlin materials were stored in the back rooms of the church. Later he planned to organize their distribution to local residents through the diocesan office," the SBU said in a statement.

The metropolitan is under suspicion under three articles: justification, admission of legitimacy, denial of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, distribution of materials with calls for violent change of the constitutional order and distribution of materials with calls for changing the borders of the territory and state border of Ukraine.

As reported, Metropolitan Jonathan was searched and granted suspicion under Part 2 of Article 161 (Violation of citizens' equality based on their race, nationality or religious preferences).

Vladyka himself said that the case against him was ordered and directed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to stir up confusion among its clergy and believers. The UOJ also reported that the clergy of the Tulchyn Eparchy expressed full confidence in their ruling bishop.

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