Moral Implications of the Russian Occupation of Crimea: The Destruction of Religious Freedom

The Russian occupation of Crimea, as well as other regions, exemplifies a disturbing and pervasive theme: the relentless suppression of religious freedom and violations of human rights. This practice, deeply intertwined with political and autocratic motives, raises profound questions about morality and the fundamental values of democracy and religious tolerance.

Morality and Authoritarian Governance

The Russian state's manipulation of religious institutions, particularly the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), highlights the moral bankruptcy of such authoritarian and autocratic regimes. These regimes leverage the ROC's significant influence over subjects to maintain control and suppress dissent from other religious groups, often using overt violence and persecution.

One of the key strategies employed by the Russian authorities is the systemic undermining of religious pluralism. Non-Russians or those who refuse to accept imposed Russian citizenship are denied registration of religious organizations, effectively shutting down critical avenues for religious practice and expression. This is a stark violation of principles of religious freedom and equality under the law.

Impact on Religious Institutions in Crimea

In the occupied territory of Crimea, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as other religious groups such as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Muslim communities, face severe persecution. The Russian authorities systematically dismantle the property and control of these religious institutions, making them targets for raids, harassment, and even physical destruction.

For example, the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha, in Simferopol, is the last Ukrainian church in Crimea, yet it too has fallen victim to the occupation. The lease on the building was revoked because the church refused to recognize the illegal occupation. Now, the Russian state has shuttered the church for renovations without consulting parishioners or respecting their rights.

United Nations and Civil Rights Violations

The actions of the Russian occupation regime have been widely documented and condemned. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has catalogued grave human rights violations, including violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights. These violations specifically include targeted restrictions on freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Notably, the Russian authorities have imposed stringent legal re-registration requirements, legislation increasing restrictions on the activities of religious groups, and other measures aimed at stifling dissent. For instance, the Russian Cossack paramilitaries and unknown persons have harassed, broken into, and damaged religious properties, threatening harm and terrorizing non-Russian-Orthodox-Church faith groups.

Denial of Basic Rights and Harassment

The Russian occupation forces have also resorted to harsher measures, including criminalizing Jehovah's Witnesses and certain Muslim groups as extremists. This has led to arbitrary arrests, fines, and attempts to force individuals to renounce their faith. The authorities have also actively sought to expel foreign religious leaders, including Polish Roman Catholic priests and Turkish Muslim imams, by denying residence permits.

The most recent actions include the Russian court's order to demolish an Ukrainian Orthodox church in Crimea, despite UN human rights committees requesting that the congregation not be evicted. These ongoing violations underscore the moral crisis at the heart of the Russian occupation: a profound disregard for human rights and religious freedom.

Conclusion

The destruction of religious freedom in Crimea is not merely about religious hatred; it is a multifaceted attack on democratic principles and human dignity. The Russian occupation regime's actions are a stark reminder of the importance of international human rights laws and the consequences of their violation. As the situation continues, it is imperative for the global community to stand against such actions and support those affected.

Keywords: religious freedom, human rights violations, Russian occupation