SBU serves suspicion to Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia

Representatives of the SBU at Metropolitan Luke's place of residence. Photo: t.me/SBUkr

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported suspicion to Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In the SBU's Telegram channel, it is stated that Metropolitan Luke "provoked and fueled religious hatred in Ukraine".

According to the SBU, "the metropolitan publicly expressed his contempt for parishioners of other denominations."

"He repeatedly mentioned this during communication with parishioners and during church liturgies," the SBU wrote.

Also, according to the law enforcement officers, the bishop "posted provocative messages on his personal Telegram channel, where he insulted the religious feelings of representatives of other denominations."

Thus, according to the SBU, "he undermined the socio-political situation in the frontline region in favor of the aggressor country."

The agency stated that an examination initiated by the law enforcement officers "confirmed the facts of subversive activities" by Metropolitan Luke against the state security of Ukraine.

Based on all of this, the hierarch of the UOC was informed of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, and other characteristics).

The issue of selecting a measure of restraint for him is being decided. The investigation is pending, according to the SBU, and Metropolitan Luke faces imprisonment.

Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU employees under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU conducted searches at the place of residence of Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia.

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