Expert on Poroshenko's statement: I don't think the Tomos case exists
Poroshenko’s statements may be an attempt to call on the faithful of the OCU for his defence. Photo: courrierinternational.com
The opening of a criminal case for inciting religious hatred is only a version of Petro Poroshenko, said Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute for Policy Analysis and Management, in a commentary to the UOJ.
“I don’t think it is opened,” the expert noted. “So far, this has been the version of Petro Poroshenko, and I do not exclude that this is just a way of protection, an attempt to call OCU believers to his side, for his defence. So far, there are no official statements that this case is opened, and it is not known whether it exists.”
Now we should wait for official information, he added.
“But even if this case exists – opened on someone’s statement or by a court decision – I think that it will not have any legal prospects against Poroshenko, but at the same time it will allow him to mobilize his electorate,” said Ruslan Bortnik.
As reported earlier, on June 18, 2020, the ex-president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko announced the opening of a criminal case against him “For inciting inter-faith hatred by receiving the Tomos and creating the Orthodox Church of Ukraine”.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.