SBU investigates ROC priest for facilitating torture under Russian occupation
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has opened criminal proceedings against Viktor Talko, a priest of a Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) from Borodyanka in Kyiv Oblast, for aiding Russian troops during their occupation of the area in early 2022, the press service of the SBU reported on July 7.
The SBU is investigating the operation of a Russian torture chamber on the grounds of the church, which Talko oversaw.
Read also: SBU adds high treason charge against pro-Russian blogger Anatoliy Shariy
Talko is alleged to have suggested that the Russian occupation forces use the basement of the church to unlawfully detain members of the Ukrainian resistance movement and torture them.
From March 29 to March 31, 2022 alone, three Ukrainian volunteers who had brought humanitarian aid for locals were held there.
Read also: Commander of opposition volunteers calls on Belarusians to free themselves from dictatorship
If convicted, Talko faces up to five years in prison.
On July 3, a ROC priest of the Pochayiv Assumption Lavra in western Ukraine, who justified Russia's armed aggression, was sentenced to five years behind bars.
Read also: Ukraine’s SBU nabs judge in Cherkasy Oblast for justifying Russian aggression
On April 28, the SBU also charged another representative of the ROC who publicly justified Russia's war against Ukraine.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
