International human rights advocates are calling on Estonia to allow Metropolitan Evgeny to return

The international human rights organization Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi) has issued an official appeal to the Estonian authorities to reconsider their decision to deny residency to Metropolitan Evgeny (Reshetnikov), head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. According to Zivotcrkve.rs, the open letter, sent to the country’s government on October 2, 2026, calls for ensuring respect for religious freedoms and allowing the metropolitan to resume his pastoral duties.

The initiative was the result of a special forum held on September 30 at the UN headquarters in Geneva, where issues of the autonomy of religious organizations and the protection of the rights of believers in Estonia were discussed. Human rights advocates emphasize that the ban on the clergyman’s entry negatively affects not only his personal rights but also the life of the entire Orthodox community, limiting its ability to choose spiritual leadership and preserve its canonical identity.

In the JPTi statement, which was endorsed by prominent international experts, including former EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Jan Figel, it is noted that national security concerns should not supersede the principles of legality and proportionality. The organization acknowledges the state’s right to protect its sovereignty but insists that the church’s canonical ties to a foreign center cannot automatically be regarded as illegal activity.

Human rights advocates are calling on Estonian authorities to engage in constructive dialogue and consider administrative measures to restore the metropolitan’s status. A request was also submitted for independent human rights institutions to participate in order to ensure an objective review of this case and the preparation of an official response from Tallinn.

As a reminder, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) and the Pühtitsa Monastery have filed complaints with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), challenging recent amendments to the law on churches and parishes. The disputed provisions require religious organizations to sever administrative ties with the Moscow Patriarchate by December 28.