Two clergy charged with treason over alleged assassination plot
Denis Popovich and Nikita Ivanovich were charged with treason and aiding the enemy in connection with a alleged plot to assassinate Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) of Simferopol and Crimea, with prosecutors claiming they acted on behalf of Ukraine. Both deny the charges and allege they were tortured to obtain confessions.
Consensus
- Denis Popovich and Nikita Ivanovich are accused of preparing an assassination attempt on Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov).
- The Federal Security Service (FSB) has presented final charges against both individuals.
- Both defendants deny the charges and claim they were subjected to torture during interrogation.
- The alleged plot involved placing explosives at the Sretensky Monastery.
- Popovich and Ivanovich are graduates of the Sretenskaya Seminary.
- The case is being reviewed by the First Appellate Court of General Jurisdiction.
- The defendants were arrested in February 2026.
Points of divergence
- Popovich is additionally charged with participation in a terrorist group, unauthorized access to computer information, and use of forged documents. — meduza
- Popovich lived in the Sretensky Monastery and worked as secretary and treasurer to Metropolitan Tikhon. — tg_bbcrussian
- Ivanovich is not connected to Metropolitan Tikhon. — meduza
- Ivanovich is described as having a close friendship with Popovich. — tg_bbcrussian
- The official status of Metropolitan Tikhon as spiritual advisor to Vladimir Putin is not confirmed, though Putin has never denied it. — meduza
- Ivanovich is described as being connected to the Russian Orthodox Church system. — tg_bbcrussian
Coverage (2 sources)
- Suspects in the case of preparation of an assassination attempt on Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) are accused of treason and aiding the enemy — Meduza
- Suspects in the attempt on Metropolitan Shevkunov charged with treason and aiding the enemy — BBC News Русская служба