Chief Lawyer: Blasphemy of "Quarter 95" falls under Criminal Code article
Oleksandr Pikalov and Yevhen Koshevyi from “Quarter 95”. Photo: a screenshot of Chisto News video
On December 15, 2022, during a press conference of the UOC, the head of the Legal Department, Archpriest Oleksandr Bakhov, answered a question about the liability for 'Quarter 95'.
"The preliminary qualification is Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on insulting the feelings of believers. If the case goes to court, it could be either a fine or imprisonment," Father Oleksandr said.
Recall that Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine "Violation of citizens' equality based on their race, nationality or religious preferences" in Part 1 states: " Willful actions inciting ...> religious enmity and hatred, ...> or the insult of citizens' feelings in respect to their religious convictions ...> shall be punishable by a fine up to 50 tax-free minimum incomes, or correctional labour for a term up to two years, or restraint of liberty for a term up to five years, with or without the deprivation of the right to occupy certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years".
Part 3 of art. 161 reads: " Any such actions as provided for by paragraph 1 or 2 of this Article if committed by an organized group of persons ...> shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term of two to five years.”
As reported, the UOC appealed to the police because of the scandalous performance of “Quarter 95”.
Read also
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.
Poltava court upholds mobilization of Protestant pastor
A court in the Poltava region ruled that a prior criminal conviction and religious beliefs do not exempt a person from military service.
Ostapenko: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would not exist without Soviet-era reserve
The reserve director spoke about the Soviet museum’s role in saving the monastery, while stressing the need to rethink its history.
Metropolitan Anthony criticizes DESS order on Boryspil Eparchy
The UOC chancellor rejected officials’ findings, pointing to procedural violations in the DESS review.
Two more parishes in Sloviansk reregistered under OCU
The organizer behind the transfer of UOC communities in Sloviansk said the reregistration of churches would continue.
Hasidic pilgrims leave mountains of trash in Uman after Rosh Hashanah
Uman’s municipal services are struggling to clear residential neighborhoods after the Hasidic pilgrimage.