An Estonian court has ruled that restrictions on pro-Russian churches are constitutional

The Plenum of the Estonian Supreme Court ruled by a majority vote that the new version of the law imposing restrictions on churches that support Russian aggression does not violate the country’s Constitution. 

The court noted that the adopted amendments do not result in the arbitrary termination of religious associations’ activities and therefore do not violate freedom of religion. 

Previously, Estonian President Alar Karis twice refused to approve this document, which was adopted by the parliament (Riigikogu) in 2025, and appealed to the court to declare the law unconstitutional due to issues with its clarity. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve explained that any need for additional interpretation does not necessarily indicate unconstitutionality, and that risks can be addressed during the practical application of the law.

The ruling emphasizes that the protection of internal and external peace, national security, and the constitutional order outweigh restrictions on religious associations. A connection between an Estonian religious association and a foreign organization is prohibited only when it poses a real, rather than an abstract, threat to Estonia’s security, for example, in the form of incitement, support, or financing of hostile activities.

This was reported by ERR.

Earlier, Estoniaresponded to Russia’s accusations of oppression of Russians.

Estonia has declared a serious Russian threat – The Sunday Times