The Security Service of Ukraine has confirmed the serving of a notice of suspicion to the former abbot of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavlo (Petro Lebid).
Law enforcement officers confirmed the announcement of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code (violation of the equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs) and Part 1 of Article 436-2 (justification, denial of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).
Investigative actions are currently underway at the suspect's places of residence and temporary stay. The SBU press service also published relevant photos and intercepted telephone conversations.
The forensic linguistic examination initiated by the SBU confirmed that Lebid in his public speeches repeatedly insulted the religious feelings of Ukrainians, humiliated the views of believers of other faiths and tried to create hostile attitudes towards them, as well as made statements justifying or denying the actions of the aggressor country.
"The law and the responsibility for its violation are the same for everyone, and the cassock is not always a guarantee of pure intentions. Today, the enemy is trying to use the church environment to promote its propaganda and split Ukrainian society. But we will not give him a single chance! The SBU systematically blocks all attempts by Russian special services to use their agents to harm the interests and security of Ukraine," said SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk.
This morning, the press service of the UOC Lavra reported that searches were being conducted in the house of Metropolitan Pavlo, and at 12 o'clock he was summoned for questioning. After that, the issue of choosing a preventive measure of restraint will be decided.
In January, a pre-trial investigation was opened against Metropolitan Pavlo over his statements at the Christmas service.