Lawyer: Should Stefanchuk refuse, others may write to the Venice Commission
Human rights defender Oleg Denisov. Photo: spzh.news
MPs may send an appeal to the Venice Commission over the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church not only to the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, but also to other representatives of the Ukrainian government. The head of the UN human rights organisation Public Advocacy, Oleg Denisov, told the UOJ.
According to him, there are other civil servants among the top state officials who have the authority to apply to international organisations with a plea to carry out this or that expertise.
At the same time, the lawyer noted that Stefanchuk is not obliged to send the appeal of the MPs, as it is only his right, but not an obligation.
"Such actions remain within the framework of a political or private initiative, which, incidentally, can also be realised through officials and bodies of the Council of Europe, including such as PACE. <...> In case the head of the Ukrainian parliament refuses such an appeal, alternatives should be sought," he added.
As reported by the UOJ, the MPs called on the speaker of the Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk to appeal to the Venice Commission because of the ban of the UOC.
Read also
Archbishop of Cyprus Accuses Metropolitan Tychikos of 'Offense' He Himself Committed
Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus accuses Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos of consecrating a church to a saint who has yet to be canonized. However, Georgios did the same thing during his tenure as Metropolitan of Paphos!
Earthquake Rocks Mount Athos
The Holy Mountain was hit with a 5.3-magnitude earthquake on Sunday, causing minor damage and one injury.
City of Kyiv Adorns Coat of Arms With Pride Rainbow
The emblem, which depicts St. Michael the Archangel wielding a flaming sword, was restored in 1995, replacing Soviet-era symbols.
Relics of Recently Canonized Saint Gifted to Macedonian Orthodox Parish in Chicago
St. Joakim Krčovski’s legacy of faith and enlightenment is now honored in the U.S. diaspora.
Greek Orthodox Community Celebrates Inaugural Charlotte-to-Athens Flight
Airport gate transformed with blessing, music, and Greek hospitality as Charlotte Douglas International Airport launched its longest nonstop flight.
Russia Demands Protections for Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Istanbul Peace Talks
Religious freedom emerges as a key issue in ceasefire proposal amid ongoing state actions against the UOC.