Criminal cases opened against Yelensky for inciting interreligious hatred
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS press service
The Territorial Office of the State Bureau of Investigations in Kyiv has opened a pre-trial investigation into possible criminal activity under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, based on a complaint from representatives of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This was reported by the Lavra’s lawyer, Archpriest Mykyta Chekman.
The investigation concerns the alleged incitement of religious hatred by the DESS head, Viktor Yelensky.
The grounds for opening the criminal case were statements made by the official during an interview with the television channel Suspilne Chernivtsi.
Representatives of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra appealed to law enforcement regarding the possible violation of the law by this high-ranking official.
Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for liability for deliberate actions aimed at inciting national, racial, or religious hatred and enmity, or at humiliating national honor and dignity.
Recall that Yelensky had earlier stated that the destruction of the UOC cannot be considered a violation of religious freedom.
Read also
Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics
Ukrainian legislation has allowed people to change their patronymic since 2021, including replacing the father's name with the mother's name.
Kharkiv's gay community announces LGBT march
At the pride march in Kharkiv, participants will demand the legalization of same-sex marriages in Ukraine.
Ukrainians criticize official who called pilgrimage to Pochaiv "horrifying"
Threads users did not support the head of the "Ancient Kyiv" Reserve, Roman Malenkov, who called the UOC pilgrimage "a horrifying horror."
Metropolitan Alexiy of Voznesensk consecrates chapel in Velyka Solona
The ruling bishop of the Voznesensk Eparchy performed the consecration of the Chapel of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother Sophia.
UOC draws 7 times more worshippers than OCU in Kerstentsi on Transfiguration
More than 300 faithful attended the UOC parish’s patronal feast in Kerstentsi.
Sybiha invites Putin to take Dmitry Donskoy’s place in sarcophagus
Ukraine’s foreign minister commented on reports that part of the relics of Holy Prince Dmitry Donskoy could be sent to Russian troops.