Police: We cannot hold Pochaiv pilgrims liable

Pochaiv cross procession. Photo: First Cossack Telegram channel

Police in the Khmelnytskyi region have acknowledged that they are unable to bring administrative charges against participants in the UOC’s thousands-strong cross procession to Pochaiv Lavra. This was reported by ZAXID.NET.

Liudmyla Cherevchenko, a representative of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, confirmed that the procession violates a ban imposed by the regional defense council on mass gatherings. However, she acknowledged that the authorities are unable to punish the faithful.

“Current law allows religious events inside places of worship, funerals and volunteer activities,” Cherevchenko said. “But here, people simply got up on their own and started walking. If there is an organizer, there can be administrative liability. But we cannot identify any organizers.”

Inna Hleha, spokesperson for the Khmelnytskyi regional police department, confirmed the official’s remarks. According to her, law enforcement officers are accompanying the procession solely to prevent road accidents and maintain public order.

“We cannot find the organizers,” Hleha said. “When questioned, these pilgrims say: ‘We are walking on our own, and others are joining us.’ Of course, police officers in every community follow the procession to prevent accidents and maintain public order. So far, no violations have been recorded.”

As the UOJ reported, believers from Bukovyna have expressed support for the Pochaiv pilgrims.

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