Law enforcers declare suspicion to Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny

Metropolitan Longin. Photo: screenshot of the YouTube channel of the Bancheny Monastery

On May 22, 2023, the SBU announced suspicion to Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny. This is stated in the telegram channel of the SBU. He is accused of inciting sectarian hatred.

“During the liturgies, he spoke disparagingly about the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, calling it the ‘church of the Antichrist’ and ‘satanic’. Thus, he offended the religious feelings of believers and provoked an aggravation of the internal situation in the region,” the statement says.

The SBU conducted a linguistic examination, which "confirmed the facts of the cleric's criminal activities."

According to the materials of the SBU, the bishop was informed of suspicion under article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (incitement of inter-religious hatred).

The text says that “the issue of choosing a measure of restraint is currently being decided. An investigation is pending to establish all the circumstances of the crime."

Measures against Metropolitan Longin were carried out by SBU officers in the Chernivtsi region together with the National Police under the procedural leadership of the district prosecutor's office.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that hundreds of UOC believers came to the police department to support Metropolitan Longin.

Read also