The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) denounced on Tuesday that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine caused the destruction of places of worshipwhile the Russian religious leaders, “voluntarily or under duress”, justify the conflict.
In a statement on the International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the OSCE states that “the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine brings with it more deaths, new refugees and the destruction of public places, including places of worship, sanctuaries and religious monuments.
The document is signed by Andrew Baker, Ismail Hakki Musa and Regina Polak, representatives of the OSCE chairmanship against anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim intolerance and discrimination against Christianity and other religions.
“Russia’s religious leaders, willingly or under duress, provide a justification for this unprovoked war. Those who raise their voices or even those who remain silent do it at your own risk“, denounces the note.
The three representatives of the OSCE chairmanship denounced that among the victims of the Russian attack there are also Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of other religions.
The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Cyril I of Moscow, openly supported the Russian invasion, causing a split with the Ukrainian Church in May.
The three representatives of the OSCE chairmanship denounced that among the victims of the Russian attack there are also Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of other religions.
The OSCE further recalls that all partner states are obliged to respect freedom of thought, conscience, religion and promote tolerance and inclusion.
Source: Observadora
