Union of Orthodox Lawyers gives assessment of church raiding in Pryputni
Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Pryputni village. Photo: df.news
Lawyers of the Union of Orthodox Lawyers commented on the situation in the village of Pryputni, Chernihiv region, where unknown persons seized the church of the Nativity of the Virgin.
The UOL noted that the visitors attempted to take over the church back in 2019. However, the actions of the attackers went unpunished.
“Like last time, on April 4, the police did not react to criminal offenses by the supporters of the OCU,” the lawyers noted in their Telegram channel. "Therefore, without any resistance from the law enforcement agencies, the latter seized the temple replacing the locks."
Experts believe that the actions of the "military campaign headed by the former priest of the UOC Leonty" have signs of criminal offenses under three articles of the Criminal Code: 356 (arbitrariness), 180, part 1 (obstruction of the religious rite), 161, part 3 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their religious beliefs).
The UOL added that in this situation, the inaction of the police also creates a crime under Part 2 of Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position).
Earlier, Father Sergiy said the assaulters tried to seize the temple in Pryputni before, including with the help of threats.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.