Amsterdam Criticizes Zelensky Over Religious Freedom Concerns
Robert Amsterdam accused Ukrainian authorities of undermining religious freedom through legislation targeting the UOC.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has sharply criticized Ukrainian authorities following the passage of legislation targeting the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), calling it an unprecedented attack on religious freedom in modern Europe. In a video published on X, Amsterdam described the law as “heinous,” arguing it represents “the first bill to ban religion in Europe since the 1940s.”
Amsterdam contended that the actions of Volodymyr Zelensky are not rooted in national security concerns but in an effort to suppress independent thought. He rejected claims that the UOC serves foreign interests, instead calling it a voice for the Ukrainian people. According to him, authorities are attempting to silence it in the same way they have targeted other independent institutions.
He also pointed to a recent decision by a London court rejecting Ukraine’s extradition request for MP Artem Dmytruk, who had publicly defended the Church. Amsterdam further criticized the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), describing it as closely aligned with the state.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Amsterdam exposed Ukraine’s crackdown on Christianity at NYYRC event.
