Fr. Nikita Chekman Reports Threats Against UOC Lawyers

KYIV — UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman has reported systematic provocations and threats of physical violence against lawyers defending the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in court. He said the lawyers are preparing appeals to law enforcement agencies and human rights bodies over the alleged pressure.

According to Fr. Nikita, an organized group seeking to discredit UOC lawyers became more active during a recent court hearing. He said individuals behaved aggressively, attempted to inflict bodily harm on the lawyers, and issued threats concerning the next hearing.

“Certain individuals are openly threatening lawyers and announcing preparations for a ‘warm welcome’ at the next hearing,” Fr. Nikita said. He characterized the statements as threats of physical violence, attempts to intimidate lawyers, and unlawful interference with their professional activities.

Chekman also objected to what he described as public discrediting, unsubstantiated accusations of collaboration with Russia, attempts to deliver questionable documents, and physical pressure. “Lawyers perform their professional duties in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that professional rights and legal guarantees must be respected regardless of a lawyer’s position or the identity of the client.

UOC defenders are preparing official appeals to law enforcement agencies and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. They also plan to submit information to international human rights organizations and have called on bar self-governing bodies and the wider legal community to assess the alleged pressure. Fr. Nikita urged the legal profession to oppose unlawful interference with lawyers, calling such actions unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel appealed to court in the UOC dissolution case.