British parliamentarian condemns UOC ban

Lord Jackson of Peterborough. Photo: BBC

Lord Jackson of Peterborough, a leading member of Parliament’s all-party group on freedom of religion or belief, warned of serious violations of religious freedoms in Ukraine and the possible ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reports The Express.

Lord Jackson stated that despite the heroic resistance of Ukrainians to the Russian invasion, the country should not abandon civil liberties during wartime. "They should not lose track of what they are fighting for – freedom, democracy and the rule of law," emphasized the British parliamentarian.

According to Lord Jackson, there is strong concern about the future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which campaigners fear could be banned despite its insistence it has cut links with the Moscow Patriarchate. The British politician said it “would be a tragedy if these principles are lost in the fog of war with Putin,” warning: “Shutting down the country’s oldest church will only sow the seeds of future social unrest.”

"While it is legitimate to arrest and charge individuals within a religious organisation for crimes of treason or collaboration, to ban an entire church for the crimes of a few is a gross abuse of power," stated Lord Jackson.

The British parliamentarian noted that for the UK, providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is a "moral imperative". However, he added: "It is important for Ukraine to carefully consider its religious policy to ensure they align with its long-term goal of integration into the Western world. Yes, Ukraine must defend itself from the malign influence of Russia, but this must not come at the cost of civil liberties that protect some of the most marginalised groups in society."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in a report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ukraine was condemned for adopting law 8394.

Based on materials from The Express.

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