The Security Service served a notice of suspicion to the sanctioned Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate from Zaporizhzhia, who provoked religious hatred (Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code).
We are talking about Metropolitan Luke (Andriy Kovalenko). The defendant publicly spoke disparagingly about parishioners of other faiths. In this way, he undermined the socio-political situation in the frontline region in favor of Russia.
“In addition, the cleric posted provocative posts in his personal telegram channel, in which he insulted the religious feelings of representatives of other faiths. In this way, he undermined the socio-political situation in the frontline region in favor of the aggressor country,” the SBU said.
Based on the evidence collected, he was served a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs and other grounds).
The issue of choosing a measure of restraint is being decided. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The offender faces imprisonment.
In December 2022, the NSDC imposed personal sanctions against him. On December 11, 2022, the National Security and Defense Council imposed personal sanctions against seven hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. In particular, against Metropolitan Luke (Andriy Kovalenko) of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol of the UOC-MP.