Austrian advocates about UOC ban: A decision of questionable legality
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: inforesist
The Austrian non-governmental organization OIDAC (Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe) published a report for 2022-2023, highlighting the law aimed at effectively banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
At the time of the report's preparation, the Ukrainian Parliament had preliminarily approved a bill aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (October 19, 2023).
Referring to this legislative initiative, OIDAC concludes that "this is a decision of questionable legality that is likely to face challenges in Ukraine's justice system and potentially at the ECtHR."
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Austrian NGO OIDAC Europe also noted in its report that people in Ukraine are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Read also
Shevchuk tells Budanov of UGCC’s “state-building role”
The head of the Uniates told the head of the Presidential Office that his Church was ready to partner with the state and presented him with a book on the work of special services in the Church.
Authorities decline to disclose Ukraine’s population size
The State Statistics Service acknowledged that it has up-to-date population estimates for the country, but has decided not to make them public.
Lithuanian govt vows to protect Orthodox Church from Russian intelligence
Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for curbing the influence of Russian intelligence services on the Church, while an adviser to President Nausėda warned against labeling the entire structure a security threat.
During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence
Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”
Lawsuit filed against Patriarch of Constantinople
A Turkish official has accused Patriarch Bartholomew and dozens of clergy of “illegal activity” and violating the Treaty of Lausanne.
OCU cleric buried with Church Slavonic funeral shroud
In the Ternopil Eparchy of the OCU, a cleric was buried under a funeral shroud bearing inscriptions in Church Slavonic.