SBU investigates ROC priest for facilitating torture under Russian occupation
Viktor Talko (Photo:Still from the video Local history/YouTube)
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.
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.
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.
On April 28, the SBU also charged another representative of the ROC who publicly justified Russia's war against Ukraine.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
