Met Theodosiy: I implore the international community to protect journalists
Metropolitan Theodosiy speaks at the UN session. Photo: protiktor.com
On April 2, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv addressed the global human rights community during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, drawing attention to the arrest of Orthodox journalists in connection with their professional activities and calling for the protection of the rights of these innocent individuals who are suffering.
"Two weeks ago, the Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches of UOJ and 'Pershy Kozatsky' employees. Journalists Valeriy Stupnitsky, Andriy Ovcharenko, and Priest Sergiy Chertilin were sent to investigative isolation. They, along with a number of other journalists, face serious charges related to their journalistic activities, which involved highlighting violations of the rights of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church believers," the bishop explained.
In his opinion, this indicates that today in Ukraine, freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and human rights exist only for those who unquestionably agree with the authorities.
"I urgently appeal to the international community to protect these innocent individuals," the UOC hierarch called on the international human rights defenders.
As the UOJ wrote earlier, on April 2, the arrest of Orthodox journalists was reported at the UN. In turn, human rights activist Oleg Denisov stated that UOJ journalists will be included in the list of "Prisoners of Conscience".
Read also
Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka
A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Seized Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr transferred from UOC to OCU control
Huz stated that after being handed to the OCU, the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr will be “Ukrainian and alive”.
In Brussels, Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to remember its Christian roots
The Vatican Secretary of State spoke at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on the occasion of its eight-hundredth anniversary and recalled Europe’s spiritual mission.
388 mln Christians face persecution and discrimination over faith – report
The organization Portes Ouvertes has published research findings concluding that pressure on believers worldwide has intensified.
Archbishop of Albania: Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania’s European path
During a visit to Brussels, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church underscored the importance of Orthodoxy for the country’s integration into the EU and for maintaining interreligious balance in society.
His Beatitude leads divine service at Lavra on Circumcision of the Lord feast
During the festive service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, special prayers were offered for peace on the Ukrainian land and for God’s blessing upon the new year.