Yelensky: There is a danger that the UOC may file a case with the ECHR and win
The head of the SSetnpc suggested that the state could lose if European judges find that the ban on the UOC violates freedom of conscience.
The head of the SSETNPC Viktor Yelensky admitted the possibility of the UOC winning a case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after exhausting all domestic judicial instances in Ukraine.
The head of the State Service acknowledged that representatives of the UOC have the right to challenge the actions of the authorities at the international level if Ukrainian courts rule in favor of a ban.
According to Yelensky, if a violation of freedom of conscience is recognized, the European court may side with the believers. "If the ECHR determines that this relates to the article that guarantees freedom of conscience, it may issue a ruling," the official stated.
The head of the agency emphasized that after exhausting all legal instruments within the country, the UOC has the right to appeal to the international court. He also referred to the opinion of lawyers who believe that the outcome of the case at the ECHR will depend on how exactly the state implements the law on banning religious organizations.
As the UOJ reported, the UOC challenged in court the unlawful decision of the Kyiv Regional Council.
