Lawyer Nikita Chekman commented on the attempt of the National Reserve “Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra” to seal some buildings on the territory of Lower Lavra on July 4, 2023.

“We emphasize that the monastery as a legal entity has never hindered or restricted access to representatives of the reserve, who, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, exercise control over the use of the property. However, we believe that the sealing and restricting access to the enclosures is illegal,” said the lawyer.

Nikita Chekman once again reminded that now “preparatory proceedings are ongoing, court hearings on the case has not yet taken place, in connection with its complexity, the considerable volume of materials, public outcry and the obligation of the court to fully and thoroughly investigate all circumstances before taking a judicial decision. Thus, now any statements of representatives of the reserve about the presence of legal grounds to carry out the sealing of the enclosures are, at least, unfounded”.

“Under the circumstances, the eviction of monks, groundless sealing and restriction of access to the premises contains signs of committing a criminal offense – arbitrariness. We urge law enforcement agencies not to contribute to the unlawful actions of the reserve and not to become accomplices to the crime”, – the lawyer stressed.