Lawyer: Should Stefanchuk refuse, others may write to the Venice Commission

Human rights defender Oleg Denisov. Photo: spzh.news

MPs may send an appeal to the Venice Commission over the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church not only to the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, but also to other representatives of the Ukrainian government. The head of the UN human rights organisation Public Advocacy, Oleg Denisov, told the UOJ.

According to him, there are other civil servants among the top state officials who have the authority to apply to international organisations with a plea to carry out this or that expertise.

At the same time, the lawyer noted that Stefanchuk is not obliged to send the appeal of the MPs, as it is only his right, but not an obligation.

"Such actions remain within the framework of a political or private initiative, which, incidentally, can also be realised through officials and bodies of the Council of Europe, including such as PACE. <...> In case the head of the Ukrainian parliament refuses such an appeal, alternatives should be sought," he added.

As reported by the UOJ, the MPs called on the speaker of the Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk to appeal to the Venice Commission because of the ban of the UOC.

Read also

At the Zimne Monastery, an event was held in support of families of fallen soldiers

The Holy Dormition Monastery in Volhynia hosted an event to support mothers and loved ones of servicemen killed in the war.

Great schema tonsure performed in Mohyliv-Podilskyi Eparchy

The rite of tonsure into the great schema at St. Paraskeva Church in Mohyliv-Podilskyi was performed by the secretary of the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

UOC’s Myltsi monastery brethren appeal to U.S. authorities for protection

The monks of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Volhynia are asking J.D. Vance and Anna Paulina Luna to defend their rights and help prevent their possible eviction.

Teen who set fire to synagogue sentenced in Kryvyi Rih

A court sentenced a minor to two years of probation supervision after he admitted guilt and compensated for damages caused by the arson of a synagogue building.

"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital

Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.

Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy

The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.