In Volyn, Jehovah's Witness minister convicted for refusing to serve in AFU
Liuboml District Court. Photo: court's website
The Liuboml District Court sentenced a Jehovah's Witness minister to two years in prison for refusing to accept a draft notice and failing to appear at the conscription point. This was reported by the official website of the court. The man's actions were qualified under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (evasion of conscription for military service during mobilization).
The minister did not plead guilty. According to a letter from the RO "Religious Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ukraine", the accused has been a minister since 1994, and therefore military service is unacceptable for him.
The case materials indicate that Ukraine introduced alternatives to military service in peacetime, but in wartime, the state "relies on all citizens of Ukraine, regardless of their religious beliefs".
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the court sent a Jehovah's Witness to prison for leaving a military unit without permission.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.