The Estonian Orthodox Church is considering filing a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights following the State Court’s ruling

The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EPCC) has expressed its position regarding the recent ruling by the plenary session of the Estonian Supreme Court, which rejected the President of the Republic’s motion to review the constitutionality of amendments to the Law on Churches and Parishes. While acknowledging the court’s decision, representatives of the clergy point to the persistence of serious legal contradictions and state their intention to potentially defend their rights before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

According to the official website of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church, the court’s decision does not provide answers to fundamental questions regarding the protection of basic freedoms. The Church emphasized that even among the judges of the State Court there was no unanimity: the fact that several judges issued dissenting opinions confirms the exceptional complexity and controversy of the adopted legislative amendments. The EOC expressed special gratitude to the President of Estonia for initiating the review of the law.

The religious organization’s main concern relates to the threat of forced dissolution of associations due to their canonical ties. The ECHR notes that the law allows for such harsh measures to be applied regardless of whether the organization’s actual activities pose a threat to security or the constitutional order. The statement emphasizes that such provisions may violate the European Convention on Human Rights, making an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights a likely next step.

In concluding its statement, the EOC emphasized that it is an integral part of Estonian society and has always sought constructive dialogue with state institutions. The church called on its parishioners to remain calm, dignified, and hopeful in God during these trying times, emphasizing that its activities have always been and remain focused on Christian ministry, not on undermining public order.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Estonian Supreme Court ruled that amendments to the “On Churches and Parishes,” aimed at banning the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church, as consistent with the country’s Constitution, rejecting a petition by President Alar Karis. The head of state twice refused to sign the document, considering it a violation of freedom of religion and association, but after the court’s final verdict, he was forced to approve the law.