"They insulted the honor of Jews”: SBU explains searches in Pochaiv Lavra

SBU in the Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: SBU telegram channel

The SBU press service announced that the visit of law enforcement officers to the Pochaiv Lavra on November 30, 2023, took place 'within the framework of a criminal case regarding the involvement of the Lavra's leadership in inciting national enmity and hatred.'

"According to the investigation, representatives of the Pochaiv Lavra posted a publication on the monastery's website in which they insulted the national honor and dignity of Jews and incited religious discord against representatives of all churches except the UOC," the statement said without specifying the publication in question.

The SBU assured that "clerics of the UOC (MP) questioned the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state separate from Russia."

"The expertise initiated by the Security Service confirmed the presence of statements in the text of the online publication that incite interethnic discord and hatred. Within the framework of the criminal proceedings under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equal rights of citizens based on their racial, national, religious affiliation, religious beliefs, disability, and other signs), the investigation continues to establish all the circumstances of the crime," the text says.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU had conducted searches in the Pochaiv Lavra.

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