MP: Modified bill on the UOC contains amendments from SBU

MP Mykyta Poturaev. Photo: glavcom.ua

The modified bill banning the UOC contains amendments from the Security Service of Ukraine, providing for the liquidation of a denomination if its leader has been convicted of crimes against the fundamentals of Ukraine's national security, said Mykyta Poturaev, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian Policy, in an interview with Ukrinform.

In particular, a denomination may be liquidated if its leader has been convicted under articles on "collaboration activities" and "state treason".

The MP also expressed hope that the bill banning the UOC "can restore political consensus among factions and groups in parliament".

On 5 October 2023, a bill initiated by the SBU to ban denominations related to Russia was registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The document envisaged the liquidation of those denominations whose representatives committed crimes under articles on "war propaganda," "incitement of inter-religious hatred", "terrorism," "planning, preparation, unleashing, and waging of aggressive war", "violations of laws and customs of war", "genocide", and "mercenary activities".

As reported, the MP stated that the bill banning the UOC simplifies the procedure for communities to switch to the OCU.

Read also

Synod of Ukrainian Orthodox Church сanonizes Blessed John Pokhodenchyk

In July of this year, the Commission on the Canonization of Saints reviewed materials regarding the glorification of the ascetic from the Kirovohrad region.

November 2 – International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

Over six months ago, UOJ Orthodox journalists were arrested and placed in detention, facing life sentences for covering the religious situation in Ukraine.

Met. Longin’s lawyer: Judges wanted to ban video recording of the trial

After the judge decided to conduct the session 'in camera', Metropolitan Longin suffered a heart attack.  

Odesa UOC Eparchy: "We can no longer be silent; we will defend the Church"

The press service of the Odesa Eparchy commented on the statement regarding the ROC's actions toward dioceses in occupied territories.

OCU cathedral in Lutsk decorated with frescoes of businessmen

Due to criticism of this initiative, the images had to be redone.

Yelensky on UOC bishops’ statement: We expect an exit from the ROC, not talks

The DESS head suggested that the Primate did not support this statement, as he hadn't put his signature on it.