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.

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