A representative of the international law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP, Robert Amsterdam, who volunteered to defend the interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has warned Ukrainian MPs that if they vote for laws banning the activity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, they will face criminal prosecution abroad. This is reported by “Strana.UA”.

“Countries that commit to upholding human rights shall initiate criminal proceedings in their courts against those responsible for human rights violations in accordance with the principle of universal jurisdiction. Deputies of the Verkhovna Rada who support this law may in the future appear in a foreign court and be charged with criminal offenses”, – Robert Amsterdam wrote in a letter addressed to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

In addition, earlier on October 18, 2023, the official website of Amsterdam & Partners LLP published a press release in which the government bill No. 7381 is mercilessly criticized and the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is called “politically motivated”. According to the company’s representatives, this attitude of the government towards the UOC may affect Washington’s further support of Ukraine.

“Protecting the freedom of religion of all Ukrainians is essential to Ukraine’s continued support both in Washington and in key European capitals,” said Robert Amsterdam. “Draft Law 8371 represents a significant step backward, a violation of Ukraine’s international legal obligations and the country’s own constitution”, – the human rights activist said.

“Contrary to the Ukrainian government’s propaganda, the UOC is an independent church – instead, we see pure political persecution and opportunism that has nothing to do with Ukraine’s national security”, – the company concluded.

We will remind, earlier we reported that the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada promise to toughen the law on the ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the second reading.