Priest Detained for Ukrainian Flag Photo Sparks Controversy

A Russian Orthodox priest, Nikolai Savchenko, was sentenced to 14 days in custody for a 2014 photo with a Ukrainian flag, charged with displaying an extremist symbol. The Russian Orthodox Church supports the war in Ukraine and punishes dissenters. This arrest marks an unusual move against active clergy.

A Russian Orthodox priest, Nikolai Savchenko, has been sentenced to 14 days in custody over a 2014 photograph showing him with a Ukrainian flag, according to the cleric and Russian media reports. Savchenko shared on social media that authorities apprehended him at his church. He was charged with displaying an extremist symbol as per court documents cited by Russian media.

The Russian Orthodox Church has staunchly supported the war in Ukraine, penalizing numerous priests for defying its stance, notably those delivering prayers for peace rather than victory. In a notable case last year, a cleric who conducted a memorial at opposition leader Alexei Navalny's grave was suspended and faced three years of mandated 'penance'.

Ksenia Luchenko, an expert critical of the Church's hierarchy, pointed out the unusual nature of Savchenko's detention. "If verified, this case marks the first instance of an active Russian Orthodox Church cleric being detained without a prior ban or defrocking," Luchenko noted on her blog from outside of Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)