UOC lawyer speaks about violation of UOC believers’ rights at UN

Archpriest Nikita Chekman speaks at the UN session. Photo: protiktor.com

On April 2, UOC lawyer, Father Nikita Chekman, spoke for the first time at a session of the UN Human Rights Council with testimony of persecution of Orthodox journalists, human rights defenders, clergy, and believers of the UOC.

"On March 12, 2024, the SBU detained and accused journalists allegedly for committing crimes by publishing materials on systematic violations of the rights of UOC believers. Suspicion has also been brought against a clergyman who, along with three journalists, has been placed in pretrial detention. Some of the charges foresee a life sentence," he noted.

The UOC lawyer emphasized that "criminal charges against representatives of the UOC often rely on subjective opinions of 'linguistic experts' appointed by investigators and funded by the state budget."

"At the same time, people can spend years in pretrial detention without their cases being heard in court," Father Nikita stated.

The priest also spoke about illegal searches conducted in the lawyer's office premises.

"On March 12, SBU officers broke doors and conducted a search in lawyers' offices and workplaces without court permission. During these unlawful actions, the guarantees of legal activity were grossly violated. The pressure is being exerted on UOC lawyers," he said.

The lawyer called on the international community to respond to the facts of human rights violations and protect journalists, human rights defenders, and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

As reported by the UOJ, the arrest of Orthodox journalists was voiced at the UN.

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