The press service of the Ukrainian Catholic University on August 9 published an address from the rectorate regarding the political situation in Ukraine.
The document stresses that “by its actions, the authorities put the citizens in a desperate situation and isolate our state at the international level both from the East and West. The imprisonment of the leaders of the opposition, inadequate use of force and ignoring of the constitutional rights and freedoms all show that the situation in the country is perilously close to an ominous transformation into authoritarianism.”
The UCU community has approached the authorities and the court with a request “to release the imprisoned persons immediately and renew the civilized norms of justice, otherwise, you will never be able to restore the respect for the court and other institutes of power in Ukraine.”
“We call on those in position of authority to realize the erroneous character of the methods of government, which are based on injustice and can appear victorious and successful at the moment. 'Do not rely on persecution and do not be proud of robbery,' says the Lord through the Psalm writer. Remember: to have a strong opposition is important not only for the country but personally for you as 'power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely' (Lord Acton),” reads the address.
UCU expressed its solidarity with the opposition and other political prisoners when they fell victims to partial application of the law and political vendetta. “However, our support is not unconditional; it will last not only until the subject of the political rivalry rises to power but until a healthy alternative ensures that a return to the tragic experience of the totalitarian past is impossible for Ukraine,” reads the address.
The community of UCU calls the hierarchs of the Christian churches and spiritual leaders of other faiths to ensure that the state follows the wise instruction of Prince Volodymyr Monomakh: “Do not allow the powerful ones to destroy a person.”
“We are calling on the Ukrainian society not to yield to desperation, not to allow anyone to intimidate you and trample on your dignity. We will be led out of the present crises not by a popular avenger cutting the heads of the unpunished officials but by a solidary refusal to live in deception and tolerate evil. Neither should one expect salvation from a 'good king' of any camp. The key to solving our social problems is in our hands, in our ability to critically reconceptualize the principles according to which we live and allow our politicians to live. Let us be united in public organizations, help each other and support only those leaders who view their power as service and our trust as an obligation to justice. And let Lord God help us in that!” reads the address of the rectorate of UCU.