Amsterdam: Charges against Met Theodosiy will be dropped through exchange

Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv. Photo: t.me/Cherkasy_Blagovestnyk

Robert Amsterdam, head of the international human rights firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP, stated that Ukraine commits a hate crime when it coerces UOC metropolitans to agree to an exchange with Russia, promising to drop all charges, he wrote on his X account.

Amsterdam stated that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv was offered to have false charges dropped if he agreed to an exchange with the enemy state.

"HE IS NOT ALONE. IF THIS TRAVESTY DOES NOT CEASE IMMEDIATELY, WE WILL PREPARE FILINGS BEFORE ICC PROSECUTORS CONCERNING THIS OUTRAGEOUS BEHAVIOR AND BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF WESTERN ALLIES. HOSTAGE TAKING AND HATE CRIMES ARE NO WAY FOR A GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED BY THE UNITED STATES TO BEHAVE," the lawyer wrote.

As UOJ reported, lawyer Ihor Chudovsky of Metropolitan Jonathan (Yeletskikh) of Tulchyn and Bratslav said that the bishop was exchanged to Russia for several prisoners of war after his sentencing.

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.