MP comments on Ministry of Culture's attempt to seal Lavra buildings
The MP said that the commission members, who demanded that the police "take preventive measures" against the Lavra’s parishioners, should have had legal grounds for this.
People's Deputy of Ukraine Artem Dmytruk commented to the UOJ on the unsuccessful attempt by the commission of the Ministry of Culture to seal the buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The parliamentarian noted that the representatives of the commission, who demanded "to take preventive measures" against the people blocking the buildings of the Lavra, did not have the authority to use the police without legal grounds.
According to him, police officers are guided solely by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, rather than by the instructions of a member of the commission, who represents exclusively his ministry.
“In case of any illegal actions, it is necessary to immediately report it to the police officers. If the police officers do not fulfill their duties of protecting public order, then every citizen has the opportunity to defend their rights in higher instances and the judiciary. At the same time, we must understand that any actions must be peaceful and legal,” Dmytruk said.
As reported by the UOJ, the Lavra's lawyer called the actions of the commission of the Ministry of Culture on sealing the buildings of the monastery unlawful.
The UOJ also wrote that acting Director of the Reserve Maxym Ostapenko complained to the police about the “unknowns” blocking the buildings of the Lavra.
