Police Investigating Claim of Assault on "Right Sector" Journalist Filming Attempted Seizure of UOC Church in Bukovina

In Chernivtsi, law enforcement has opened a criminal case following a claim by freelance journalist Diana Lavryk, who alleges she was assaulted by supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, Chernivtsi region, during a church seizure conflict. Lavryk clarified that she was not filming for media that day but allegedly arrived as a journalist at the invitation of controversial cleric Roman Hryshchuk. The case was opened solely under the article concerning intentional bodily harm, according to the Institute of Mass Information (IMI).

Spokesperson for the National Police in Chernivtsi region, Karolina Marysheva, stated that the pre-trial investigation is ongoing. A decision on whether the case will be reclassified under more serious charges involving «violence against a journalist» will be made after all facts and circumstances are established.

To recall, on April 8 in Verkhni Stanivtsi, Chernivtsi region, during another conflict surrounding the attempted takeover of a UOC church, journalist Diana Lavryk from Kolomyia claimed she was attacked by parishioners. According to her, she came to the St. Nicholas Church at the invitation of OCU activists to «cover» the first service following the seizure. Lavryk, known for her sympathies with radical groups, particularly the Right Sector, has repeatedly appeared at the sites of UOC church takeovers. Under the guise of journalistic activity, she accompanies provocateur actions and participates in spreading one-sided narratives about the events.