UOC hierarch calls on Rada to impose liability for provocative info

Митрополит Запорожский и Мелитопольский Лука. Фото: hramzp.ua

On March 23, 2020, Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol posted an appeal to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmitry Razumkov and MPs of Ukraine, in which he called for responsibility for publishing provocative information during the quarantine period in connection with the coronavirus, reports the press service of the eparchy.

According to the bishop, “panic and lies that spread faster than the virus itself are much worse than the disease itself. All the hysteria and hype around COVID-19, according to experts, is primarily due to the fact that emotions prevail over the mind."

Metropolitan Luke believes that in this regard "decisive measures" are needed to prevent the spread of lies and fakes in the media.

“During the quarantine period, we see a lot of materials that spread panic, unscrupulously and groundlessly cause distrust and despair. We are convinced that during quarantine such actions are not only immoral but also criminal,” writes the hierarch.

In this regard, Metropolitan Luke called on people's deputies to supplement the Government’s Decree on measures to counteract the spread of coronavirus with instructions to limit information on the coronavirus epidemic during quarantine by introducing liability for the publication of false and provocative information during the quarantine period.

He also urged the media to use only reliable sources and make sure that the time, place and source of information are specified. If the news is accusatory, it’s necessary to provide an opportunity for comment to the accused party.

Vladyka called to impose liability for the publication and distribution of materials that are "incomplete or provocative".

As reported earlier, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, UOC Chancellor, spoke about the importance of staying human and saving oneself in the difficult situation of the coronavirus epidemic.

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