Amsterdam: MPs want to force Ukrainians to accept OCU as the state church
American lawyer Robert Amsterdam. Photo: departurespodcast.com
Robert Amsterdam, head of the international human rights company Amsterdam & Partners LLP, who is a lawyer for the UOC, in response to criticism from MPs of his activities, stated that the duty of a lawyer is to clearly and unequivocally express a warning about predatory and discriminatory legislation against the UOC. He reported this in a comment to Strana.ua.
According to the lawyer, the bill in the version for consideration in the second reading is clearly aimed not only at destroying the UOC, but also at abolishing fundamental principles of law and coercing the people of Ukraine to essentially accept the Orthodox Church of Ukraine as the state church.
As the UOJ reported, lawyer and Archpriest Nikita Chekman disclosed information from the indictment to one of the detained Orthodox journalists and human rights defenders on March 12 – Archpriest Sergiy Chertilin about the fact that the OCU, according to the prosecution, is an "attribute of statehood".
Read also
In Odesa region, Jehovah's Witness sentenced to three years for draft evasion
A resident of the Odesa region who practices the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses received a real prison sentence due to his refusal to perform military service based on his convictions.
Metropolitan Theodosiy explains why persecutions benefit the Church
The bishop called not to justify evil but to see in trials an opportunity to achieve humility and love – the goals of Christian life.
Court finds Metropolitan Theodosiy guilty
The court found Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy guilty of inciting inter-religious hatred.
Foreign Minister congratulates Dumenko and presents him with valuable watch
Dumenko discussed with the Foreign Minister the role of the OCU during wartime and the significance of the Tomos of Autocephaly.
Kherson Holy Spirit Cathedral of UOC shelled again
Shells damaged the church roof, the bell tower and the chapel. The eparchial administration buildings also suffered from shelling.
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits