Fight between believers of the UOC-MP and the OCU in Chernivtsi: 12 people were injured, including seven police officers

In the center of Chernivtsi, on the territory of the Holy Spirit Cathedral, on June 17, a mass clash took place between believers of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and representatives of the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police.

According to the department, 12 people were injured in the clash, 7 of whom were law enforcement officers . Some were hospitalized.

Tensions reportedly rose after OCU supporters announced the “liberation of the cathedral from Moscow’s occupation” and pushed out representatives of the UOC-MP. In response, the latter accused their opponents of “seizing the temple” and even released a video showing an injured priest being taken away by ambulance.

Law enforcement officers received 25 complaints regarding bodily harm, damage to a religious building, obstruction of journalistic activities, and possible seizure of a temple.

The information was entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 4 of Article 296 – hooliganism committed by a group of persons;
• Part 2 of Article 345 — violence against a law enforcement officer.

An administrative report for petty hooliganism (Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) has also been drawn up. Investigative actions are ongoing, and the police are checking other statements from citizens.

Journalists previously reported that on June 17, the center of Chernivtsi was shaken by religious tension: a clash occurred near the Holy Spirit Cathedral between believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) . According to official information, at least five people sought medical attention with injuries.

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