"Jehovah's Witness" sentenced to 3 years in jail for refusing mobilization
The convict stated that due to his religious beliefs he could not take up arms but he was not offered alternative service.
In the Sumy region, a clergyman of the Jehovah's Witnesses was sentenced to three years in prison for refusing mobilization. The decision was made by the Akhtyrka City District Court, reports Strana.ua.
It is reported that military enlistment officials attempted to deliver a summons to the cleric, who is also a reserve office, at his residence, as he had been declared fit for service by a medical commission. However, the man refused to accept the summons and report to the military unit.
In court, the Jehovah's Witness representative did not admit guilt and stated that he could not take up arms, and he was not offered alternative service.
He can challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal within thirteen days.
As reported by the UOJ, the Rada will consider a law on alternative service based on religious beliefs.
