Svoboda Association Protests Against Transfer of Land in Uman to Chasidim

On January 16, in the town of Uman of Cherkasy Oblast, approximately 300 activists organized a protest “Uman, Rise Against Corruption and Invasion.”

On January 16, in the town of Uman of Cherkasy Oblast, approximately 300 activists organized a protest “Uman, Rise Against Corruption and Invasion.” The protesters demanded resignation of the mayor of Uman, Yurii Bodrov. They accused him of allocating land plots to foreign citizens, particularly to Chasidim pilgrims, the press service of the Cherkasy Regional Organization of Svoboda reported.

The protest was organized by the Uman Department of the Committee of Voters of Ukraine and the Council of Public Organizations of Uman. The participants protested against the transfer of land plots of the Uman plant Megometer and former Veterinary Hospital to Pilgrim and Uman Levada societies, which allegedly lobby the interests of the foreign Chasidim.

In addition, they expressed concern over the settlement of the issue of the stay of the Chasidim in the town during their pilgrimages to the grave of the founder of Chasidism, Tzadik Nakhman.

The participants passed a resolution expressing indignation at the actions of the leadership of Uman and Cherkasy Oblast, who actually are selling land and real estate in Uman to foreigners in violation of the law, without discussing it with the local community. The residents of the town expressed no confidence in Mayor Bodrov.