Robert Amsterdam writes a letter to Vladimir Zelensky on the ban of the UOC

The head of the international human rights company Amsterdam & Partners LLP, Robert Amsterdam, who represents the legal interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, wrote an open letter to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which he pointed out the risks for Ukraine associated with the possible adoption of the scandalous bill No. 8371, aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The human rights activist pointed out that he has information about the targeted destruction of the UOC by the Ukrainian authorities, which, according to international law, is a crime against humanity. This was reported by Strana.ua.

«My company has received internal documents that describe in detail the plans to create a new exarchate (a separate religious administrative-territorial unit, foreign in relation to the main church) in Ukraine with the subordination of the UOC to the administration of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (EP). These documents indicate that this is the first step towards a possible forced unification of the UOC and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). I have reason to believe that the plans set forth in these documents and detailed in Annex 1 to this letter were developed by members of your administration. I will make them public to show how an attack on the UOC is being prepared and that it is part of a narrow and pernicious nationalist agenda against the wishes of a large number of Ukrainians who remain loyal to the UOC,» — Amsterdam writes.

The lawyer added that, according to the data obtained, the state is engaged in the systematic destruction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, using the SSU-controlled State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, as well as nationalist MPs led by former President Petro Poroshenko. In addition, Amsterdam stated that it was aware of the preparation of a criminal prosecution against him, which is planned to be initiated in Ukraine.

«The plans set out in these documents provide context and are based on the ongoing persecution and intimidation of the UOC, its priests and parishioners. These actions are carried out directly and in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (SSEPFC), nationalist members of the Verkhovna Rada led by former President Petro Poroshenko, and the OCU. The SSU is arresting priests and Orthodox journalists on false charges, holding them without a fair trial. We have witness testimonies confirming that the SBU is committing war crimes by offering some detained priests as barter to exchange them for prisoners of war held by the Russian Federation. Parishioners of the UOC are being harassed and attacked; their churches are being illegally appropriated and transferred to the OCU. The Verkhovna Rada is ready to adopt a law drafted by your government that would ban the UOC (draft law 8371), which is a violation of international legal norms that guarantee freedom of religion and belief. In addition, I have learned that the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine is preparing criminal proceedings against me for my defense of the UOC. Such criminal charges would violate the right of the UOC to legal representation and constitute legal persecution of human rights defenders protected by international law,» — the lawyer added.

In addition, the human rights activist drew attention to the reaction of international institutions, which has already been expressed to the Ukrainian government’s plans to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Amsterdam argues that the already published outrage of international missions on this issue is only the «tip of the iceberg» that the Ukrainian authorities will have to face if the law banning the UOC is passed.

«My conclusions about the ongoing threat to religious freedom in Ukraine are shared by a number of international organizations. For example, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed his «concern about freedom of religion or belief in Ukraine» and «the continuation of the authorities’ actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.» The Norwegian human rights NGO Forum 18 and the Anglican Church have expressed their own objections to Draft Law 8371, as documented in this letter. Such statements are only the tip of the iceberg of international condemnation of Ukraine’s actions against this Church,» — the UOC lawyer added.

Robert Amsterdam called on Vladimir Zelensky to abandon the plan to ban the UOC, pointing out that he risks personal responsibility for human rights violations in the field of religious freedom.

«The pernicious, secretive plans of your government, as set forth in the documents we have at our disposal, reveal systematic attempts to undermine freedom of religion and state interference in independent religious affairs. Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal aggression. Even so, it must respect fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion. Given what can now only be understood as a state policy of destroying the UOC, I urge you to change course and protect the rights of the UOC. By doing so, you will preserve Ukraine’s international status and protect the rights of all Ukrainians to worship freely. Before you cause further damage to Ukrainian society and reputation, you must withdraw Bill 8371 from the Verkhovna Rada and disavow the plans your government has developed to force the UOC to join the OCU and ultimately unite the UOC with the OCU. As the President of Ukraine, based on the legal doctrine of the responsibility of the supreme leadership, you are personally responsible for the actions of your government and subordinates. If you fail to stop them, you face personal responsibility for crimes against humanity,» — Robert Amsterdam summarized.