UOJ journalist: OCU is not a state attribute, criticizing it is not a crime

UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky in court. June 6, 2024. Photo: a screenshot from the UOJ video

During the session at the Solomiansky Court on June 6, Valeriy Stupnitsky, a UOJ journalist, supported the defence's motion to recuse a group of prosecutors handling the case against him and his colleagues. Stupnitsky pointed out the inaccuracy of one of the main theses presented in the suspicion, reports a UOJ correspondent.

Valeriy Stupnitsky drew the court's attention to the fact that the representatives of the prosecution interpret any criticism of the actions of the OCU as "destroying the Ukrainian state and all its attributes". However, according to the Constitution of Ukraine (Article 35), the state in Ukraine is separate from religion, so the journalist concludes that one of the hundreds of religious denominations cannot be an attribute of such a state.

He also reminded that the Constitution (Article 20) states that the symbols of the state are the flag, the coat of arms and the anthem of Ukraine.

"According to the legislation, all citizens of Ukraine have equal rights regardless of their religious beliefs, and their denominational affiliation, in case of violation of the laws, cannot be a reason for exempting them from any criticism," the journalist emphasized.

As reported, the lawyer for the Orthodox journalists explained why the recusal of the prosecutor was requested.

Legal support for journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky: send.monobank.ua

Read also

In India, life imprisonment introduced for desecration of Sikh sacred scripture

Christian communities in Punjab state have declared their inability to protect their rights in courts.

World Council of Churches calls for an end to the war in Ukraine

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches called on all people of good will to pray and act for the establishment of lasting peace.

About how the UOC Council in Feofania "turned into a disorderly gathering"

All insults directed at the Council – as if it were a «gathering», «filth», «scum» and so forth – are based not on canons and not on facts, but only on the emotions of their authors.

In Radivilov, believers of the UOC held a traditional procession for peace

A prayer procession was accompanied by icons with relics of great Orthodox saints.

Hundreds gather for Satanic event in Baltimore

More than 23,000 people signed a petition opposing the satanic gathering in Baltimore.

Constantinople Patriarchate bishop prays with Catholics and Lutherans in Germany

The ecumenical service concluded with the distribution of climbing carabiners to all participants as a symbol of support and trust.