UN to monitor progress of investigation into Orthodox journalists’ cases
United Nations. Photo: e-ir.info
President of the human rights organization NGO Public Advocacy, Oleg Denisov, who is currently participating in the regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, commented on the situation regarding the persecution of journalists from the UOJ. A video of his statement was published on the YouTube channel of his human rights organization.
The lawyer stated that, after preliminary examination of the investigation materials, he concluded that "these cases are based on the same set of allegations that are made against the UOC hierarchs Theodosiy, Longin, Pavel, and Jonathan."
In his opinion, these allegations primarily concern criticism directed at the clergy of the OCU, which the Ukrainian authorities erroneously consider as inciting religious enmity.
"I believe that the rhetoric used by the Union of Orthodox Journalists relates to freedom of speech and is protected by international law as free journalistic activity," emphasized Denisov.
According to the human rights defender, these criminal allegations are an attempt to pressure journalists and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church ahead of the attempt to pass bill No. 8371 on the "ban of the UOC."
The head of the human rights organization stated that he would include these cases in his communications with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of human rights defenders, as well as with UN mandate holders responsible for protecting the rights and freedoms of journalists.
"I will directly transmit and transmit all materials of criminal cases to these international bodies in order to prevent unjust verdicts against journalists, members of SPZH, and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," said Oleg Denisov.
As reported by the UOJ, UN human rights defenders were informed about the criminal prosecution of UOC hierarchs.
Read also
Dumenko "blesses" SBU facility for forensic examination
The head of the OCU noted the "special role" of the Institute of Special Technology and Forensic Expertise of the SBU.
ROC head: Attempts to impose special powers of Pat. Bartholomew are sinful
Patriarch Kirill stated that the doctrine of special powers of the Patriarch of Constantinople is being imposed from outside.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces LGBT festival near Sodom and Gomorrah
Israeli authorities are promoting a large-scale gay event at the Dead Sea on social media, which has caused criticism and bewilderment among Christians.
In Bila Tserkva, man nearly killed for greeting "Christ is risen!"
Two non-Orthodox individuals aged 19 and 23 tracked down a 35-year-old Orthodox Christian after an Easter greeting, knocked him down and inflicted several knife wounds to his abdomen and neck.
In Uganda, Islamists kill Protestant pastor after sermon
In Uganda, a Protestant church pastor who preached among Muslims was stabbed to death after a sermon.
Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”
A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.