On March 19, 2024, the head of the international human rights company “Amsterdam & Partners LLP” Robert Amsterdam, who represents the legal interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, sent another letter to the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The lawyer urges the deputies to abandon the idea of voting in the second reading for the scandalous bill № 8371, aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This is reported by the website “Left Bank”.

“I read with interest the minutes of the recent meeting of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. In this regard, I would like to note that, firstly, our company has the privilege to act as the legal representative of the largest Orthodox Church of Ukraine – the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Secondly, providing legal services to the UOC makes the issue of legal representation of this organization an internal issue of Ukraine, not an external one. Third, speaking out against an odious bill that targets people on the basis of their religious affiliation is the duty of a person sworn to the rule of law”, – Amsterdam wrote.

The lawyer added that his previous letters on the topic of a possible ban of the UOC are not threats, but warnings about the consequences that will be incurred by deputies and representatives of other authorities if the bill #8371 is voted in the second reading.

“I make no apologies, and my statements contained not a threat, but rather a promise to hold the Rada and other institutions that are engaged against the UOC accountable for their behavior in what can only be described as a predatory conspiracy to violently and shamefully destroy the UOC in ways that are even worse than what happened in the last periods of the history of the Soviet Union”, – the UOC lawyer added.

The human rights activist drew attention to the fact that threats of criminal prosecution and sanctions are a reflex reaction of the Ukrainian authorities against anyone who opposes their lawless behavior. Amsterdam summarized with a call to submit Bill No. 8371 to the Venice Commission for analysis in order to protect themselves from the irreparable consequences of violating the rights of believers.

“I again ask you to submit the bill #8371 to the Venice Commission. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has repeatedly taken such steps. Such a decision may be the last resort to prevent this tragic violation of the rule of law and freedom of religion”, – summarized the lawyer Amsterdam.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that Robert Amsterdam, representing the legal interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, strongly criticized the reaction of Ukrainian parliamentarians to his recent appeal to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The human rights activist is convinced that the deputies will not be able to hide their illegal actions against the UOC.