A priest accused of helping draft evaders has been suspended from ministry in Vinnytsia

Metropolitan Varsonofiy. Photo: eparhia.vn.ua

Metropolitan Varsonofiy of Vinnytsia and Bar has suspended from ministry a cleric of the Vinnytsia Diocese of the UOC against whom a pre-trial investigation is being conducted. This is stated in a press release from the Vinnytsia Diocese press service.

Earlier, Ukrainian media, citing law enforcement authorities, reported the detention of a UOC priest suspected of receiving 14,000 dollars in exchange for a promise to help a military-age man avoid mobilization. According to the investigation, the cleric claimed he could influence officials at the territorial recruitment center, and was detained by SBU officers after the money was handed over. The court ordered him to be held in custody with the option of posting bail.

The diocese reported that the suspension will remain in effect until relevant decisions are made based on the results of the investigation. It also reminded that, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine and current legislation, a person is considered innocent until their guilt is proven by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.

The Vinnytsia Diocese called on the public to refrain from premature conclusions and to await the completion of the investigation and the establishment of all circumstances of the case.

As the SPJ reported, Metropolitan Varsonofiy expressed condolences to the victims of the shelling of Vinnytsia.

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