LONDON

Estonia's President Alar Karis has refused to sign amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, sending it back to parliament for the second time, according to media reports.

President Karis has rejected approving the amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act aimed at preventing foreign powers from influencing churches, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported on Thursday.

The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act were two other bills that were rejected by the president, who said they are not in accordance with the Constitution.

According to the report, Karis found the changes made by the parliament, Riigikogu, "insufficient," adding that if parliament passes the laws again without changes, the president is likely to refer them to the Supreme Court.

"It still conflicts with three articles of the Constitution and disproportionately restricts freedom of association and freedom of religion," Karis was quoted by the ERR as saying.

He noted that foreign influence must be countered, but that requires a "clearer definition" of the foreign ties that are actually dangerous.

Meanwhile, regarding the amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act, the president noted that when it comes to automated data processing, it is especially important to ensure safeguards for the protection of personal data.