Estonia Amends Law to Prevent Russian Infiltration of Churches; Supreme Court Rules It Constitutional

(Central News Agency, Special Dispatch from Vilnius by You Yao-ru, June 9) Estonia's Supreme Court recently dismissed President Alar Karis's request for a constitutional review of the amendments to the 'Churches and Religious Organizations Act,' ruling the relevant provisions constitutional. Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that Orthodox groups within the country must sever their subordinate ties with the Moscow Patriarchate of Russia in accordance with the new law.

The Estonian Parliament passed the relevant amendments last April, requiring religious organizations not to maintain contact with foreign individuals or organizations that 'pose a threat to national security, the constitution, or public order,' and to adjust their statutes and operating methods within a set period after the law takes effect. The law primarily targets religious groups affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church.

However, President Alar Karis returned the bill at the time on the grounds of unconstitutionality, arguing that the prohibitions were too broad and vague, potentially imposing excessive restrictions on freedom of religion and association, thereby affecting the functioning of a democratic society. Parliament subsequently re-passed the bill without major changes, prompting Karis to submit the dispute to the Supreme Court for a ruling.

Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) reported on the 8th that the Supreme Court, with 17 judges hearing the case, found by a majority that the amendments could be applied through a restrictive interpretation, preventing arbitrary forced dissolution of religious groups, and thus did not violate freedom of religion or association. However, six judges dissented, arguing that the law lacked clarity and could affect the protection of fundamental rights.

The ruling stated that while the law constitutes a significant interference with freedom of religion and association, it is justified given the risks to national security and the constitutional order. The Supreme Court emphasized that ties with foreign religious organizations must be severed only when they pose a 'substantial threat,' and forced dissolution must be a last resort, decided by a court.

Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that the amendments will soon take effect, with the aim of preventing foreign religious institutions that support war, aggression, or terrorism from influencing Estonia. He noted that the Estonian Orthodox Church should end its subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate.

Taro emphasized that the law does not ban Orthodox Christianity and does not involve closing churches or monasteries. If a situation arises requiring the dissolution of a religious group, it will be decided by a court according to the law, not by an administrative body. The Estonian Ministry of the Interior also stated that a 6-month transition period will be established after the law takes effect, during which it will communicate with and provide assistance to affected religious groups. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150609