SBU declares suspicion in absentia to Metropolitan Panteleimon of Luhansk

Metropolitan Panteleimon (Povorozniuk). Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

On January 12, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) notified Metropolitan Panteleimon of Luhansk and Alchevsk in absentia about suspicion of aiding the aggressor state (Part 1, Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), according to the agency's website.

The SBU notes that according to the investigation, in September 2022, Metropolitan Panteleimon attended a ceremony related to the so-called unification of temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine with the Russian Federation. He also participated in a "round table" under the leadership of the "authorities" of the occupied city.

Metropolitan Panteleimon is also accused of spreading fakes against Ukrainian military personnel and glorifying Russian military personnel in interviews.

Due to the fact that the accused is currently based in the temporarily occupied territory, the SBU notes that comprehensive measures are being taken to hold Metropolitan Panteleimon accountable.

As reported previously, on August 17, 2021, at a meeting of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Panteleimon (Povorozniuk) was appointed the administrator of the Luhansk Diocese of the UOC.

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