NGO: UOJ journalists and UOC lawyers were searched as part of the same case

SBU employee conducts a search. Archive photo. Photo: SBU

Speaking on the YouTube channel of the NGO Public Advocacy, Archpriest Nikita Chekman explained that the searches in his law firm, at the Center for Legal Protection of the UOC, and among UOJ journalists all took place under one criminal investigation.

"They said that the searches were conducted based on Part 3 of Article 233 of the Criminal Procedure Code, in cases of emergency," noted Fr. Nikita Chekman.

He emphasized that besides the fact that such searches can only be conducted when there is a threat to someone's life, etc., there is also a specific procedure for attorneys. This procedure was not followed, and moreover, in one of the law firm offices, SBU employees broke down the door.

In response to clarification from the President of the NGO Public Advocacy, Oleg Denisov, regarding the arrests of UOJ journalists on that day, Fr. Nikita noted that all investigative actions by the SBU were carried out as part of the same criminal case.

As reported by the UOJ, UOC lawyers recorded a video testimony for international organizations.

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