Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky spoke about the measures the state is taking against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to limit its activities. He argues that there is a legal relationship between the UOC and the Russian Orthodox Church, and therefore the canonical Church in Ukraine is being significantly curtailed in its rights in order to finally ban it.
It was the US government that financed the persecution of the UOC, - Robert Amsterdam
The head of the international human rights company Amsterdam & Partners LLP, Robert Amsterdam, who represents the legal interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said that the previous US government had funded a campaign to persecute the UOC. The lawyer added that the persecution of the UOC helps Vladimir Zelensky retain power by distracting society from political problems with the topic of banning the Church. Amsterdam said this in an interview with Jesus Christ’s CEOs TV.
“In Ukraine, unfortunately, it was our government that financed part of the persecution of the Church I represent. We have to make sure that state policy directly supports religious freedom and does not use religion to achieve foreign policy goals. I think this is extremely important,” — Amsterdam said.
The lawyer added that Vladimir Zelensky also receives political dividends from the persecution of the UOC. According to Amsterdam, it is easier for Zelensky to consolidate his power under the media hype about the fight against “enemies” in the Church.
“People are being used as scapegoats. The government is not very popular, and attacks on our Church are a way for Mr. Zelensky to consolidate power,” — Amsterdam said.
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