Russian security forces detained nearly 70 members of a religious sect in St. Petersburg, accused of spreading false information and supporting Ukraine.

The police in St. Petersburg conducted a raid on Friday at a meeting of the pro-Ukrainian religious organization known as the School of the United Principle, detaining nearly 70 participants. They are accused of spreading false information about the Russian armed forces and promoting ideas contrary to the official line of the Kremlin regarding the war in Ukraine.

Members of the sect, mostly teachers from various regions of Russia, were praying for the protection of Russian citizens from mobilization, for the Ukrainian army, and for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Those detained face prison sentences of up to 10 years. The sect, which combines Christian orthodoxy with esoteric rituals, has been accused of denigrating Russian soldiers and their supporters.