SBU ex-deputy head complains that there are no legal grounds for banning UOC

Viktor Yahun. Photo: Ukrinform

Victor Yahun, SBU's Deputy Head of the SBU in 2014-2015, stated in a comment to the Espreso TV channel that persecution of Christians is increasingly being recognized in various countries. According to him, "the situation requires addressing all these religious issues and a clear legal solution to the problem." Yahun believes that the problem would be solved by the adoption of Law No. 8371 aimed at banning the UOC, however, there are no legal grounds for this.

"If we adopt a law that clearly regulates the activities of religious structures affiliated with the aggressor country, then the problem will be solved very quickly. However, there are no legal grounds for this. Our enemies in the countries where we want to get support, primarily in the United States, react to this," said the former SBU employee.

In his opinion, a significant problem is the fact that the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the Ukrainian authorities is not adequately communicated.

"This situation requires addressing all these religious issues and a clear legal solution to the problem. And a clear legal solution depends on the parliament," Yahun believes.

As the UOJ reported, the SBU claimed to have uncovered another "scheme" of the UOC – this time in church stores.

Read also

U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors

The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.

Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure

The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.

Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia

The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.

Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure

In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.

European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says

Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.

Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day

Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.