Man on trial in Ternopil Region for criticizing trident symbols in churches
Fresco with the trident in the OCU cathedral in Kremenets. Photo: Typical Kremenets
In Ternopil Oblast, a criminal case has been opened against a man who criticized on social media the use of state symbols in churches, reports the outlet Za Zbruchem. Law enforcement authorities are charging the 63-year-old defendant with “inciting religious enmity.”
According to the pre-trial investigation, he “spoke negatively about reforms in the religious sphere, actively criticized the placement of the trident in churches and on icons, repeatedly denigrated official state symbols, and incited hostility and hatred among believers of different confessions.”
The man faces up to three years in prison. The case is being overseen by the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that OCU clergy have been placing the trident on liturgical headwear.
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