In Kharkiv, a man who has been a Jehovah's Witness for over 20 years was sentenced to three years in prison for refusing military service due to his religious beliefs. The court recognized his faith as sincere, but this did not save him from punishment.
Case Details
The man became a Jehovah's Witness in 2005 and has been a clergyman since 2009. His religious beliefs prohibit him from handling weapons, wearing military uniforms, and serving in the military. In June 2024, he was stopped by officers from the territorial recruitment center (TCC). He voluntarily underwent a military medical commission (MMC), which deemed him fit for service, but he immediately requested to replace military service with alternative civil service.
Court's Decision
The TCC and the regional military administration denied this request, arguing that current legislation does not provide for alternative service during mobilization. The next day, the man failed to report for military duty, which led to his arrest. The court acknowledged that the man genuinely adheres to his religious beliefs but still sentenced him to three years of actual imprisonment without parole.
Court's Comments
The judges noted that religious beliefs do not exempt individuals from conscription during mobilization. At the same time, they emphasized that individuals with such beliefs should not be forced to perform tasks involving weapons, and they can be engaged in work that does not require carrying or using weapons. The court denied leniency in sentencing, despite the fact that the man had no prior convictions.