Amsterdam: Ukraine uses judiciary as an instrument of torture of UOC clergy
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar). Photo: x.com/robertamsterdam
On October 31, American lawyer Robert Amsterdam responded to the situation during a court hearing involving Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny. The human rights advocate wrote on his X account, condemning the Ukrainian authorities’ use of the judicial system as a tool for torturing and intimidating clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
“We are informed that Metropolitan Longin, who has long suffered serious medical ailments, experienced a heart attack during one of his extended hearings related to his show trial. He was rushed to emergency care,” he informed his followers.
Robert Amsterdam emphasized his belief that the charges brought against Metropolitan Longin and other clergymen are false.
“We completely denounce these false charges brought against Longin and others, and denounce Ukraine's use of the judicial system as an instrument of torture and intimidation of the UOC clergy.,” the lawyer stated. “President Zelenskyy should hang his head in shame over the abuse and mistreatment of Orthodox Christians which has been enabled by Law 3894.”
As previously reported by the UOJ, the defender of the UOC hierarch noted that Metropolitan Longin’s health has significantly deteriorated during the court proceedings.
Read also
Patriarchs Porfirije and Theophilos meet in Jerusalem
A delegation of the Serbian Church has arrived in Jerusalem on a pilgrimage visit.
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.