A male member of the “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” who refused to participate in military service, has been sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment

The man was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for evading military service. He is a representative of the religious organization “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” one of the branches of Christianity. Followers of this denomination are prohibited from taking up arms.

The man stated that he is aware of the general mobilization declared in connection with the large-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. However, he categorically refuses to undergo military service through mobilization and be sent to a military unit. He attends meetings of the religious organization “Religious Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine” and, based on religious beliefs, categorically rejects the call to military service, as stated in the court documents. The court found the man guilty under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and sentenced him to 3 years of imprisonment.

It is worth noting that even under Ukrainian laws, it is permitted to refuse military service on religious grounds. However, such service can be replaced with an alternative, such as working in a factory or other places away from the front. Nevertheless, Ukrainian authorities are not adhering to their own laws.