NUJU calls to avoid the violations of journalists’ rights, who cover events at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Massive violations of the work rights of journalists have been taking place near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, where a commission of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy came today due to the termination of the lease agreement. Supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) covered up cameras, made media workers fight, threatened to beat them with sticks and pushed journalists.

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine calls on law enforcement officials to closely monitor the tense situation near the Lavra and prevent violations of journalists’ rights in carrying out their professional duties.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the commission of the Ministry of Culture was not allowed into the Lavra, and believers began arguing with its members. Despite the demand of the National Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church did not leave the holy site. The commission was supposed to check two buildings today. Its representatives say that if they continue to be obstructed, they will contact the police.