Photo:
The constitutional court did not accept the complaint about the transfer of the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, reads the card case on the official website of the court.
According to the card, the court refused to accept for consideration the complaint of deputies of legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Boris Vishnevsky and Paul Shapkina, who asked to recognize unconstitutional the law “On transfer to religious organizations property of religious significance owned by the state or municipal ownership.
The COP recognized that the applicants contested norm did not violate their rights and not deprive them of the right to judicial protection of their interests.
The situation around St. Isaac’s Cathedral caused a public outcry when the authorities of St. Petersburg decided to transfer the Cathedral for 49 years, the Russian Orthodox Church in the free use with preserving the Museum and educational functions. Later they said that the Cathedral is transmitted without a change of legal status — its owner is the city. The public is concerned about the fate of Isaac, despite the statement of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Museum functions will be expanded, and the entrance to the Cathedral will be free.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called to depoliticize the issue of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and with respect for the religious feelings of people. According to the President, the contradictions on the issue of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church can be resolved by ensuring both the Museum and the religious activities of the Cathedral.