In a significant legal decision, a British court has declined Ukraine’s request to extradite a Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) supporter who alleges mistreatment by Ukrainian security services. This case highlights the tension between religious affiliations and political dynamics in Ukraine.
Artem Dmytruk, currently a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and a subdeacon for the UOC, has been vocal against the Ukrainian government’s efforts to outlaw the UOC. The church is under scrutiny due to perceived ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).
Historically, the UOC was aligned with the ROC but declared its independence following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Despite the UOC’s stance against the ROC’s support of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, both the ROC and Ukrainian state remain skeptical of the UOC’s claim of independence.
Dmytruk stood alone in Ukraine’s parliament opposing a proposed 2024 law aimed at banning the UOC. After his parliamentary address, Dmytruk lost his security detail, and old assault accusations were revived against him by prosecutors.
Fleeing to Moldova and subsequently to Britain, Dmytruk contends he faced torture at the hands of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU has faced accusations of targeting dissidents, including Illia Kyva and Mikhail Filiponenko, both known for their pro-Russian stances.
Meanwhile, the Russian intelligence agency FSB is suspected of similar activities against Kremlin critics, although it denies involvement.
Robert Amsterdam of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, representing both Dmytruk and the UOC, lauded the Westminster Magistrates Court’s decision to refuse Ukraine’s extradition request. Amsterdam remarked, “This ruling is a decisive win that recognises the lengths to which the Ukrainian government will go to silence political opposition, particularly as it relates to its violations of religious freedom.”
Amsterdam further noted Dmytruk’s actions against the Russian invasion, mentioning, “Mr Dmytruk has not only condemned the Russian invasion, but actively took up arms in March 2022 when he formed a territorial defence unit in defence of his city against Russia.” Nevertheless, the Ukrainian government under President Zelensky is accused of pursuing Dmytruk based on “trumped-up charges.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
