Head of Legal Department of UOC: Prohibition of Cross Procession in Borispol is contrary to Constitution

The decision of the Borispol City Council to ban the passage of the Cross Procession of peace of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church through Borispol is illegal, violates the Constitution and poses a threat to the rights and freedoms of man and citizen in Ukraine. This was stated by the head of the Legal Department of the UOC Archpriest Aleksander Bakhov, reports the Capital. 

"According to Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine citizens have the right to peaceful assembly. The limitation of this right is established by the court, not the local authority. Banning to hold the Cross Procession, the Boryspil City Council abused power and exceeded official authority," said Archpriest Aleksander Bakhov. 

On this basis, the head of the Legal Department of the UOC sees no legal obstacles for holding the Cross Procession in the town of Borispol: "The Procession is a non-political peaceful assembly, which is not held under conditions of martial law or state of emergency, and the court's decision to ban a peaceful assembly is missing. Therefore, the interference of officials or any other persons with the Cross Procession should be regarded as illegal obstruction of organization or holding of street processions". 

In his opinion, the Borispol City Council should have applied to the court, as required by the Constitution, to find a legitimate solution of the claim. Besides, the head of the Legal Department of the UOC is sure that the decision to ban the Cross Procession was deliberately taken on Friday afternoon so that the UOC could not appeal. The Cross Procession in the town of Borispol will take place on Monday. 

Recall, right-wing forces are determined not to let the All-Ukrainian Cross Procession in Borispol. At the entrance to the town radicals have already set up a blockroad staffed by men in camouflage. Believers still intend to enter Borispol.

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