Latvian politician defending UOC summoned by State Security Service

Yuriy Zaitsev (left) at the picket. Photo: UOJ

In Latvia, former Daugavpils City Council deputy Yuriy Zaitsev has been summoned for a preventative discussion with the State Security Service on January 7 regarding his recent initiatives in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Zaitsev shared the summons on his Facebook page.

The State Security Service's interest was sparked by Zaitsev's involvement in organizing an international petition addressed to newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator James David Vance, calling for the protection of the canonical UOC from repressions in Ukraine. The petition, signed by dozens of individuals, was also supported by a picket held outside the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Zaitsev, currently in Ireland, personally delivered the petition to the embassy.

The UOJ previously published the full text of the petition in defense of the UOC.

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