DESS official Horshkov: Bill 8371 contradicts international obligations

Head of the Department for Cooperation with Religious Communities of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Vyacheslav Horshkov. Photo: sobor.com.ua

Bill No. 8371, which de facto bans the UOC and is currently being pushed for a second reading vote by representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, does not comply with Ukraine's international obligations, said Vyacheslav Horshkov, head of the Department for Cooperation with Religious Communities of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, in an interview with the Apostrophe.

According to him, Ukraine is currently in the process of European integration, which involves reviewing Ukrainian legislation for compliance with European norms.

"The amendments presented for the second reading contain provisions that contradict international obligations. We cannot imagine how we will defend this law if these amendments are passed," said Horshkov.

The official is convinced that after the adoption of the anti-church law, lawsuits to the European Court of Human Rights are sure to follow.

"Won't it be a disgrace for Ukraine when people win lawsuits and the Ukrainian state will have to compensate it with money? " he added.

As reported by the UOJ, DESS wants to finalize Law 8371 so that ‘’it does not become a laughing stock”.

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