The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) supporters are obstructing the activities of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy (MKIP) commission that was supposed to conduct an inventory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra property, Ukrinform reports.
The commission's representatives confirmed to the agency the information about the obstruction of their activities.
At the same time, representatives of the UOC (MP) refused to comment on the situation.
They, along with their supporters, also interfere with the work of journalists, particularly by threatening to damage their equipment.
According to police officers on the territory of the monastery complex, no clashes were recorded.
Over a hundred believers are now gathered on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and a prayer service is being held.
Meanwhile, TSN reports that the parishioners of the UOC drove out the commission that came to the Lavra with the words: "Get out of the Lavra, go fight."
For its part, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine reported massive violations of journalists' rights near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and called on law enforcement to ensure that the rights of media workers in the area are protected more thoroughly. In particular, supporters of the UOC are blocking cameras, swearing, threatening to beat media workers with sticks and pushing journalists.
The UOC-MP has remained in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and is holding services. Their church lease expired on 29 March. As of the morning of 30 March, the UOC-MP priests are holding services in the monastery.