Former Jehovah's Witness convicted for draft evasion in Volyn Region
A man explained that he has the right to alternative service during wartime.
The Rozhyshche District Court in the Volyn region has convicted a conscripted former Jehovah's Witness for evading military mobilization, reports Suspilne.
During the trial, he stated that he did indeed receive a summons on December 8, 2023, but evaded mobilization because he believes his religious convictions entitle him to alternative service, having been a Jehovah's Witness since childhood. The court took into account that, according to the elder of this religious organization in the city of Rozhyshche, the defendant was expelled from Jehovah's Witnesses in March 2022 for repeated moral violations and had no intention of returning.
The court sentenced the man to 18 months of imprisonment; however, he has the right to appeal the verdict.
As reported by the UOJ, a human rights defender explained that refusing military service due to religious beliefs is not permissible during wartime. Ukrainian legislation does not provide for alternative military service during wartime.
