In the past two years, Russian forces killed thirty and imprisoned twenty-six Ukrainian clergymen

24 February, 17:45

The Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA), Robert Rehak, made a statement on February 24, 2024, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the statement, "this invasion not only worsened the already terrible situation with human rights, especially with regard to freedom of religion and belief in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories but killed religious leaders and adherents of various faiths."

Source: IRS

According to the data provided in the statement, "in the past two years, Russian forces killed thirty and imprisoned twenty-six Ukrainian clergymen", as well as either destroyed or damaged over 600 places of worship.

Additionally, the IRFBA’s statement emphasizes the involvement of the Moscow Patriarchate, often referred to as the Russian Orthodox Church, and its leader, Kirill Gundyayev, "in attempting to legitimize Russian aggression and erode Ukrainian sovereignty".

It is also stated that Russia suppresses religious freedom in temporarily occupied areas, and the ultimate aim of the occupation authorities in this regard is to coerce religious communities and leaders into collaboration with the Russian regime or to punish the religious leaders perceived as disloyal.

According to the IRFBA Chairman Robert Rehak, "the international community must stand in solidarity with Ukraine, addressing the multifaceted repercussions of Russian aggression and holding the Russian Federation accountable for flagrant violations of international law, including crimes against humanity and war crimes."

As reported previously, the Special Envoy of the Czech MFA for the Holocaust Issues, Interfaith Dialogue and Freedom of Religion or Belief, Robert Rehak, together with a delegation of Czech religious leaders, paid a solidarity visit to the cities of Bucha and Vorzel in the Kyiv region in June 2023.

Tags: #Russian aggression against Ukraine #Religious freedom #ROC #International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) #Religious freedom in the occupied territories #Kirill (Gundyayev)