SBU serves notice of suspicion to priest instructed by Shariy
9 February 2024 17:06
The Security Service of Ukraine has served a notice of suspicion to a cleric of the UOC (MP) who organised provocations in the Kyiv Cave Monastery and coordinated his actions with pro-Kremlin blogger Anatoliy Shariy, who is suspected of treason, according to 
The hierodeacon, one of the closest associates of Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebed), is accused of subversive activities in favour of the aggressor country.
According to the SBU, this cleric played an active role in organising mass provocations in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in the spring of 2023. As part of the protests, he tried to undermine the socio-political situation in Kyiv as much as possible.
In coordination with pro-Kremlin blogger Shariy, who is suspected of high treason, the cleric recorded and distributed provocative videos of the riots near the Lavra. These materials were immediately used by Russian TV channels and online resources to distort information about the internal situation in Ukraine.
In his correspondence with the faithful, the defendant justified Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and praised Russia’s top military and political leadership. A forensic examination initiated by the SBU confirmed the facts of his subversive activities.
According to the SBU, during the searches, the cleric was found to have computer equipment, more than ten mobile phones and almost 300 SIM cards with evidence of criminal actions.
The SBU investigators served the suspect a notice of suspicion under Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition as lawful, denial of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants). The defendant faces up to three years in prison.
