Violation of the right to freedom of religion in Ukraine reported at PACE

Speech by Verkhovna Rada MP V. Novinsky at PACE

The deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Chairman of the Opposition Bloc Vadim Novinsky told PACE about violations of the right to freedom of religion and non-interference of the state in the affairs of the Church, "which have become widespread in Ukraine due to the active assistance of state institutions to create the pro-government religious organization OCU." This was reported on the page of the political press service on Facebook.

“The government has rudely intervened in religious affairs, discriminating against the largest Orthodox denomination, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” said the MP in his speech. “At the end of December, the coalition majority passed a law obliging the UOC to change the name and re-register its charters, not obliging other confessions to take such steps, which is a blatant discrimination. The authorities may refuse to re-register the UOC charters for political reasons.”

Vadim Novinsky also pointed out to gross violations of constitutional procedures during the adoption of another law contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights, which actually legalizes the illegal seizure of the UOC churches.

“Unfortunately, the seizure of temples occurs on a daily basis. The government threatens the rights of this largest denomination, depriving its believers of the right to freedom of belief,” the MP said.

As the UOJ reported, on January 17, 2019, the Verkhovna Rada, on the third attempt, approved in principle Bill No. 4128-d “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations’ (regarding changes in the subordination of religious communities)”.

Earlier, Vadim Novinsky said that the adopted law is one more step away from Europe and the world, and deputies from the Opposition Bloc will demand the cancellation of voting results.

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