Media: Elite SBU unit – Department 'T' – involved in pressure on UOC
A specialized SBU unit, Department 'T', which conducts operations to protect the state system, is responsible for organizing pressure on the UOC, media reports say.
UOC hierarchs are systematically detained at the border, security forces “visit” the families and relatives of bishops, and an information campaign is being waged against the UOC, according to Vesti.
Lawyer Oleksandr Romasev, who was present during the search of the former residence of Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, stated: “It is noteworthy that the search was conducted by officers from Department 'T' – a specialized SBU unit responsible for operations to protect the state system.”
He added: “I wouldn’t overestimate its importance; it’s just one of the departments. However, sources within the security forces explained that the tasks of Department 'T' are more global than merely protecting 'citizens’ religious rights.'”
“This logically continues the chain of events following last week’s inventory of Church property,” the lawyer noted. “The pressure is ongoing and increasing.”
The publication’s authors explain that the pressure is applied through several channels. UOC hierarchs are detained at the border, both when entering and leaving the country.
“Last Tuesday, I was held at Boryspil Airport for about an hour and not allowed into the country. The only question I was asked by border service officers was which patriarchate I belong to,” said Archbishop Clement of Nizhyn and Pryluky, head of the UOC Information and Education Department. “One border guard also told me that my data, like that of other bishops, is in a database of individuals who must be subjected to enhanced inspections, passed through the 'red' corridor, and detained when crossing the border.” A similar incident happened with Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol.
Security officers also “visit” the families and relatives of UOC hierarchs, as well as businesspeople who support dioceses.
Clergy explain that an information campaign is being conducted against the UOC, with key elements being media and social network “leaks.” Judging by the scope of the publications, a team of professional analysts is monitoring the Church’s activities.
As the UOJ previously reported, in early November, several media outlets began publishing “investigations” into the property of clergymen. In the Volyn region, for example, the media published photos and personal data of the residences of senior UOC clergy.
