Ukrainian Security Service Arrests Suspected Arsonist

“Hungarians, get out!” written on the walls of the church

The suspected arsonist of the Greek Catholic church in Palagy Komarivci (Palágykomoróc) has been arrested, the Transcarpathian branch of the Security Service of Ukraine (SZBU) revealed on its Facebook page on Friday.

As they write, a 28-year-old local man was arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service in cooperation with the police. The man, who is also suspected of defacing the church walls with anti-Hungarian graffiti, is facing criminal charges for incitement against nationalities and religious denominations, as well as intentional arson.

The authorities conducted a search of the suspect’s residence and seized mobile phones and other material evidence.

According to the investigation, on July 16, the 28-year-old local resident entered the church, set fire to the front door, and left graffiti on the walls of the building inciting hatred against the Hungarian ethnic minority.

Ukrainian authorities claim that the provocation was intended to “destabilize the situation” in the border region and “create the necessary information picture” for the enemy.

As reported by Hungary Today, late Wednesday evening, a Greek Catholic church was set on fire in the Transcarpathian village of Palagy Komarivci, a large part of which is inhabited by the Hungarian minority. After the incident, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Hungary was summoned to the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Hungarian Government transferred the necessary funds for the restoration of the church on Thursday.

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