UOC bishop and Amsterdam discuss a plan for defending journalists at UN

Robert Amsterdam and Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev). Photo: Cherkasy Diocese press service
On March 22, 2024, a video communication took place between the Head of the legal company "Amsterdam & Partners LLP" Robert Amsterdam and Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, as reported by the diocese's press service.
The UOC hierarch informed the international human rights advocate about his recent speeches at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
He shared the immediate plans for protecting Orthodox journalists from Ukraine in the UN Human Rights Council, who are currently facing criminal persecution.
It is noted that during the conversation, topics of legal protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its believers were touched upon, perspectives of the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the unconstitutional draft law 8371 were discussed, and the negative resonance that this draft law would cause in the civilized world if adopted.
Robert Amsterdam, in turn, talked about the further plans for legal protection of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He asked the metropolitan to assist in collecting and summarizing documented information about clergy and laymen who have been subjected to beatings and moral abuse by temple invaders, radicals, or law enforcement agencies, "so that international lawyers of the company 'Amsterdam & Partners LLP' could compile corresponding evidential basis and a package of materials for submission to the Committee Against Torture at the United Nations."
As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Theodosiy called on the UN to more vigorously defend the rights of believers.
The Union of Orthodox Journalists calls for joining the fundraising for legal assistance to arrested members of the UOJ.
Read also

Metropolitan Theodosiy: We must defend our churches and show that we exist
The UOC hierarch is confident that the time will come when the country returns to the rule of law, and those now persecuting the Church will be held accountable.
Police and National Guard surrounding two UOC churches in Cherkasy leave
Orthodox Christians who came out to defend their churches from OCU raiders plan to pray in their churches through the night.
His Beatitude celebrates “Standing of St. Mary” service at Kyiv Caves Lavra
The distinctive feature of this service is the full reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the Life of St. Mary of Egypt.
Court hearing on Upper Lavra case postponed
The court granted the motion filed by the monastery’s legal defense.
Laity to Trump advisor: UOC is persecuted – this is not religious freedom
Tetiana Tsaruk suggested that Ukrainian officials may have manipulated Pastor Burns’ attention by providing one-sided information about religious freedom in the country.
In Dubivtsi, “priest” fails to explain OCU’s canonical status
The “rector” of the seized church in the village of Dubivtsi was unable to explain how the Orthodox Church of Ukraine obtained canonical ordinations.