Zelensky imposed sanctions against 14 journalists for covering events around the UOC

Sanctions have been imposed in Ukraine against 14 representatives of the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ), as well as the First Cossack TV channel, who cover the situation around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The decree was signed on October 31 by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Apply personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) to individuals in accordance with the annex (sanctions list of persons). — Ed.)," the website of Zelensky's office says.

The restrictive measures include the blocking of assets on the territory of Ukraine, the cancellation of licenses, a ban on participation in official visits and the transfer of intellectual property. In addition, journalists are prohibited from participating in cultural exchanges and scientific cooperation. They will also be stripped of all Ukrainian state awards.

The Trial of Faith: how Kiev decides the fate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The UOC has filed a counterclaim against accusations of links with the Russian Orthodox Church

On October 1, the United Nations (UN) stated that attempts to ideologically justify the dissolution of religious organizations in Ukraine risk criminalizing freedom of thought, religion, and beliefs. Five UN experts, including the organization's special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion or belief and on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism, Nazila Ganea and Ben Sol, expressed their concerns about the persecution of the canonical UOC in Ukraine.

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