Official charges have been put against Russia-born Kanstantsin Burykin, who is also known as ‘Father with swastikas’.
In November 2016, Orthodox priest Burykin, who never got theological education but headed a church in the village of Hatava near Minsk, was arrested by the Belarusian Investigative Committee for illegal actions with regard to ammunition (Art.295-2 of the Criminal Code). Part 3 of the same article (repeated illegal actions with regard to ammunition, or collusive actions committed by a group of persons) has been added to the charges.
The ex-priest may face up to 5 years of supervised release, or from 2 to 10 years in prison and confiscation of property.
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The arrestee, who gained notoriety for his pro-Russian sentiment, was in contact with pro-Russian organization Rumol and neo-Nazi group ‘The Russian National Unity’ (RNE), though it is still unknown whether he was a member of the latter. In 2014, media outlets revealed that the Orthodox priest had a tattooed swastika on his shoulder. Later Burykin reportedly renounced his former interests and hobbies.
belsat.eu following nn.by
