UOC hierarch’s lawyer: How will Ukraine be in the EU with such justice?
Flags of Ukraine and the European Union. Photo: dw.com
Lawyer Ihor Chudovsky, representing Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchyn and Bratslav, reminded that one of the main conditions for Ukraine's accession to the European Union is the rule of law.
Chudovsky mentioned that American lawyer Bob Amsterdam had joined the defense of Metropolitan Ionafan, publicly expressing concern about the persecution not only of the bishop but also of the entire UOC.
The lawyer reminded of a UN report highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine.
In the context of discussions about the "evidence" of Metropolitan Jonathan's guilt, Chudovsky emphasized that they were fabricated, acknowledged not only by Vinnytsia courts but also recognized worldwide.
He stated that abroad, questions are being raised about "how the state of Ukraine will enter the European Union with such a judiciary."
Chudovsky recalled that a key criterion for Ukraine's EU accession was to reduce corruption levels and establish the rule of law. According to him, Ukraine needs legislation where 80–90% of citizens will trust the courts.
He noted that regarding Metropolitan Jonathan's case, there is an impression that the judge was instructed to do everything "as needed."
"We will go to the appellate instance, cassation instance, or we will go to the European Court," said the lawyer. He added that Metropolitan Jonathan's case indicates a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects freedom of religion and the right to express one's views.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an American human rights defender was shocked by the cases against UOC hierarchs.
Read also
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".
18th-century gates of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra presented in London
State art historians have identified masterpieces by Kyiv goldsmiths in London.
In mosque, OCU "bishop" and DESS experts dine at iftar during Ramadan
At an iftar in Kyiv, authors of expert assessments against the UOC were awarded Islamic orders in the presence of the deputy head of DESS and a "hierarch" of Dumenko's structure.