Cleric from Cherkasy region faces 8 years in prison for justifying Russian aggression

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has announced the suspicion of a cleric from one of the churches in the Cherkasy region who called for the seizure of the entire territory of Ukraine by Russia and justified Russian armed aggression. This was reported by the press service of the agency.

In his conversations with parishioners and acquaintances, he repeatedly praised the military-political leadership of Russia and the Kremlin's leader personally. He also glorified Kadyrov and justified the war crimes committed by the aggressor.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the deacon was a supporter of Nazism while promoting the idea of "restoring" the Soviet Union and calling for the occupation of the entire territory of Ukraine by the Russian forces.

During searches at the suspect's place of residence, computer equipment with materials of hostile propaganda, banned symbols, and printed publications with Nazi and communist symbols were found.

Based on the collected evidence, the investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine have informed the cleric of the suspicion under Article 436-2, Part 1 and Part 3, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The offender faces up to 8 years in prison.