The priest of the Moscow Patriarchate in Odesa has been sentenced to five years in prison for promoting pro-Russian ideas. This concerns the priest of the Church of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene of the UOC MP, who was accused of justifying Russian aggression and inciting national enmity.
The case documented dozens of conversations with the priest, where he spread Kremlin ideas and agreed with Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
The court imposed a five-year prison sentence, property confiscation, and a three-year ban on holding positions in government. The priest is also required to pay court costs amounting to 8,914 hryvnias. The sentence emphasized that the promotion of ideas that demean the honor and dignity of the nation constitutes a criminal act.
Previously, a similar sentence was given to another priest, who was also accused of inciting religious enmity.
As a result of the trial, priests who promote pro-Russian ideas and support Russia's actions in Ukraine have taken responsibility for their actions and received appropriate punishment from the authorities.