Karelia (Russia) politicians considering to reverse the grant of a building to an Orthodox monastery, citing “fake” registration procedures
March 16, 2017 – The parliament members of the Republic of Karelia decided to overlook a previous decision of granting the “Winter Hotel” building to the Valaam Monastery.
The building was granted to the monastery in 2006; however, the deputies put in question that the land transfer is violating the rights of citizens. They claim it is “not valid, false”. Moreover, they are claiming that the technical land registry information for the Winter Hotel has been forged. This supposedly has the effect of making the building not suitable for living.
The Parliament members are convinced that in the event that the land transfer is disputed, or indeed “recognized as being forged”, previous court decisions on the eviction of “Winter Palace” tenants would need to be overlooked.
It is to be reminded that the “Winter Hotel” is one of the two multilayered houses on the island. The building has been acquired by the monastery in order to create a cultural-enlightenment center called “Valaam”. In March 2005, several residents of Valaam were evicted and refused their land ownership according to a court decision. In September 2015, the evicted residents of the building wrote an open letter to Patriarch Kirill. They stated that they do not wish to leave the island, citing that numerous apartments have become available for them because of an exodus of people.
Sources
http://www.sova-center.ru/religion/news/community-media/communities-conflicts/2017/03/d36598/