Cleric of Khust Eparchy being tried for using Soviet symbols on May 9

Court hearings in the case of Archpriest Voodymyr Hnepa. Photo: tyachiv-life

A measure of restraint in the form of round-the-clock house arrest was chosen for the priest of the Khust diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Fr. Volodymyr Hnepa. As reported by the local publication "Tyachiv LIFE", the clergyman was charged under part 1 of article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (public use of the symbols of the communist totalitarian regime).

Fr. Volodymyr, as reported, was also prohibited from conducting services.

The incident that led to the court proceedings occurred on May 9 in the village of Mizhhiria, Zakarpattia region. According to law enforcement, the priest was seen in the village center together with a chanter dressed in an outfit resembling Soviet military uniform, featuring elements of symbolism associated with the communist regime.

According to the investigation, the actions were qualified as public use of the symbols of the communist totalitarian regime. During searches, the police allegedly found cold weapons with the priest.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that In Zakarpattia, a court fined a UOC archimandrite 60,000 UAH for "the dissemination of communist symbols."

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