The Security Service of Ukraine reported that they are conducting searches in the Pochayiv Lavra in connection with criminal proceedings on involvement in inciting national hatred.
Law enforcement officials said that "representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate published a publication on the monastery's website insulting Jews and inciting religious hatred against representatives of other churches."
"In this publication, the clergy of the UOC-MP questioned the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state separate from Russia," the agency said.
The SBU also reports that the examination confirmed the presence of statements in the text that incite international hatred and enmity. It is not known which publication it is about.
An investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances within the framework of criminal proceedings under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on violation of the equality of citizens based on their racial, national and religious affiliation.
