"No one in the West raises questions about problems with freedom of conscience in Ukraine" - Poroshenko on UOC ban

Former Ukrainian President, MP Petro Poroshenko, has said that Western partners do not actually raise any questions about violations of freedom of religion and belief in Ukraine. The former president added that the bill No 8371 aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church fully complies with international norms and therefore should be adopted in the near future. The words of the Deputy are transmitted by the TV channel «Direct» controlled by him.

«It was explained to us that it is necessary to gather several more times a working group, to hold international consultations. The working group has not been gathered in two weeks. International consultations, including in the United States vividly demonstrated that neither Washington, nor in Congress, in public circles no one even raised the issue of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience in Ukraine,» — said Poroshenko.

The former president added that the law did not threaten any Ukrainian church, but was adopted in the interests of national security. Poroshenko says that those MPs who have doubts about the legal assessment of the bill No. 8371, can send it for examination to the Venice Commission, but after it is adopted.

«I emphasize — nothing threatens any Ukrainian church. We are talking about adequate actions that are related to national security issues only with regard to the Russian Orthodox Church. It is that church, which in Ukraine has its representatives with passports of Russian citizens who have been convicted by Ukrainian courts for espionage and anti-state activities. It is precisely those who turned in our special forces, precisely those who aimed missiles at the civilian population of Ukraine. To tolerate this, to further postpone this bill is criminal activity. Those who have any doubts about the draft law can ask the Venice Commission for an opinion after its adoption,» — the former president added.