Dmytruk sends a parliamentary appeal to law enforcers on church seizures

An attempted seizure of a church in Kremenchuk. Photo: kremen-eparh.org

Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk has sent official appeals to the heads of all law enforcement agencies, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, and the Human Rights Commissioner, as he announced on his Telegram channel. His actions were prompted by the seizure of UOC temples in Irpin, Kyiv region, and the attempted takeover of the shrines in Kremenchuk, Poltava region.

On September 19, 2024, in Irpin, OCU representatives, with the support of local authorities and police, seized the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC and chapel, cutting the locks and declaring the shrine their own property. Dmytruk claims that these actions were carried out under the leadership of the city's mayor, Oleksandr Markushyn, with the involvement of law enforcement, using force against believers and clergy.

On the same day, there was an attempt to seize the Assumption Cathedral and Trinity Church in Kremenchuk. According to Dmytruk, these actions, along with the support from authorities, are a continuation of violence against the country's largest religious denomination.

The MP strongly condemned these actions, stating: "The authorities continue the genocide of the Ukrainian people. Those who make such decisions and cover up these crimes will undoubtedly be held accountable for their actions."

As reported by the UOJ, Dmytruk had previously claimed that attempts were being made to imprison him for defending the UOC.

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