Another Jehovah's Witness who refused mobilization sentenced

Illustrative photo: rbc.ua

On April 22, 2025, the Slavyansk District court of Donetsk region sentenced a man to three years of imprisonment for refusing to appear at the military enlistment office after receiving a mobilization summons, citing religious beliefs.

The convicted individual, a Jehovah's Witness, had previously submitted requests to replace military service with alternative civilian service. However, according to the court's explanations, the legislation provides for such a replacement only for conscription during peacetime. During mobilization, the right to alternative service is limited.

The court found the guilt proven and stated that the refusal to appear violates the constitutional duty of citizens to defend the state in conditions of martial law.

The man was sentenced to three years of imprisonment under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The sentence can still be appealed in the appellate court.

As reported by the UOJ, earlier in Lviv region, a member of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" was sentenced to three years in prison for evading mobilization. In court, he confirmed that he refused mobilization due to his religious beliefs.

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