REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UPC CALLED ON THE UNITED NATIONS TO SUBMIT LAW 8371 "ON RENAMING" THE UPC TO THE VENICE COMMISSION FOR EVALUATION AND TO PREVENT UNLAWFUL VERDICTS AGAINST METROPOLITANS OF THE UPC

On 08 March 2024, in the format of video statements, the UN Human Rights Council during the "Panel Discussion on Countering Religious Hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence" heard an appeal by Metropolitan Feodosiy (Snigirev) of Cherkasy and Kanev and Oleg Denisov, Head of PublicAdvocacy, a human rights organisation with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

In his address to UN diplomats and mandate holders, Metropolitan Theodosius (Snigirev) reported about the conviction by the court to 5 years of imprisonment of Metropolitan of Tulchin and Bratslav Jonathan (Yeletskih), actually for his statements and sermons, which are freedom of speech and cannot be grounds for criminal charges.

Human rights defender Oleg Denisov, in turn, noted in his speech: 

"It is indicative that the authorities do not bring to justice criminals who seize churches and call for violence against the believers of the UOC. The atmosphere of impunity leads to new crimes. For example, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) was recently brutally beaten and narrowly escaped death.  At the same time, one of his lawyers died, according to media reports - due to poisoning, and the second lawyer was arrested.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Snigirev) of Cherkassy and Kanev, who is under house arrest and recently received his fourth set of criminal charges - this time for daring to criticise the forcible taking of a church in his diocese. A few days ago, the prosecutor's office filed a petition with the court demanding that Metropolitan Theodosius be placed in a prison detention centre.  This way the authorities want to suppress his speeches at the UN."

Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanev and human rights activist Oleg Denisov called on the states that are members of the UN, as well as authorised officials - to submit the so-called law "on the ban of the UOC" (Law 8371) to the expertise of the Venice Commission for Democracy through Law and to prevent the application of criminal penalties to the UOC metropolitans for freedom of speech and statements that are an expression of their religious views and beliefs. 

A recording of the video messages from the official UN broadcasting system is posted below.