A UOC-MP priest from Donetsk region was sentenced to 7 years in prison. He voluntarily collaborated with the Russians and agitated local residents to support the occupying authorities.
Nikolay Zvezda, rector of the parish of the village of Yarovaya, which belongs to the Gorlovka diocese and located near the Svyatogorsk Lavra, was detained after the de-occupation of the region.
During the temporary occupation of the area, he publicly justified armed aggression and called on local residents to support the invaders. In addition, he agitated parishioners to take part in a pseudo-referendum and “vote” for the region's “joining” with Russia. He also suggested that people “choose” a new “chairman” of the village of Yarovaya, who was supposed to act as part of the local occupation administration, the SBU said.
Zvezda also suggested that people “choose” a new “chairman” of the village Yarovaya, who was supposed to act as part of the local occupation administration.
Collaborator punished
The SBU detained the priest during stabilization measures after the liberation of the district.
The attacker was found guilty of collaborative activities. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a period of 12 years with confiscation of property. in no way exempt traitors from legal punishment. The verdict of the court is another clear signal to all collaborators,” SBU head Vasily Malyuk emphasized.
What is known about the traitor priest
According to Opendatabot information , the head of the parish of the Icon of the Mother of God “Kazanskaya” is Nikolai Zvezda. Regional media reported that he was detained at the end of September, he was informed of the suspicion of holding a pseudo-referendum.
The priest during the occupation acted as the head of the village.
