Jehovah’s witness in Zakarpattia sentenced to 3 years for refusing mobilization

Illustrative image of mobilization in Ukraine. Photo: TSN

On September 25, 2025, the Rakhiv District Court of Zakarpattia Region sentenced a 45-year-old man to three years in prison for refusing mobilization on religious grounds, TSN reported.

According to the court, the Zakarpattia resident had been deemed fit for military service and in December 2024 received a summons. However, he refused to serve. At the hearing, he stated that he was a bishop of the religious organization “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and could not become a serviceman because of his beliefs.

The clergyman explained that he was ready to do any other kind of work, but could not accept the status of a soldier – the oath, the uniform, and obedience to military orders. The court ruled that current legislation does not permit refusal of mobilization on religious grounds and does not grant the right to alternative service during martial law.

As a result, the man was found guilty under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and sentenced to three years in prison.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Khmelnytskyi Region a man was convicted for refusing mobilization on religious grounds.

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