ECHR rules that Ukraine violated right to faith of UOC community from Ptycha

ECHR. Photo: BBC

On September 2, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a decision in the case 8906/19 of the religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the village of Ptycha, Dubno district, Rivne region, establishing that the state of Ukraine violated Article 9 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights – the right to freedom of conscience and religion. This was reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.

The conflict around the Dormition Church in Ptycha began in 2014 when representatives of the former Kyiv Patriarchate (later – OCU) claimed it. The confrontation between believers continued for several years and was accompanied by violence, while the authorities, according to the court, did not ensure the community's ability to peacefully use the church.

In response, the believers filed a complaint with the ECHR, stating that the inaction of state bodies limited their right to freely practice their religion. The Court found the complaint partially justified and ruled that Ukraine violated the rights of the UOC community.

The decision emphasizes that the state cannot remain passive in religious conflicts and is obliged to act as a neutral mediator and protect the ability to practice faith without pressure and threats.

The decision in the Ptycha case became an important legal precedent, confirming that freedom of religion must be guaranteed regardless of religious or political circumstances.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that UN experts urged Ukraine to revise the law banning the UOC.

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