Jehovah’s Witness sentenced to prison for refusing military service

A court sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness to prison for refusing to fight. Photo: UKR.NET

The Horodok District Court of the Lviv region has sentenced a 49-year-old coordinator of a Jehovah’s Witness congregation to three years in prison for refusing mobilization on religious grounds. This was reported by zaxid.net.

The man underwent a medical examination in June 2024 and was declared fit for military service. After receiving his draft notice, he failed to report to the Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TRC), explaining that his faith forbids him from taking up arms.

“I coordinate the activities of the congregation, oversee its practical needs, and assist in organizing meetings,” the defendant told the court. “My beliefs do not allow me to take part in war.”

The believer sought to officially replace military service with alternative civilian service and submitted a request to the Social Protection Department of the Lviv Regional State Administration. Officials rejected his application, stating that Ukrainian legislation does not provide for alternative service during martial law.

The court sided with the prosecution, citing the position of the Supreme Court that religious beliefs do not exempt a person from criminal liability for evading military service during wartime. Even the fact that in 2025 the man became the legal caregiver for his seriously ill mother and was granted a lawful deferment did not affect the court’s decision.

As the UOJ reported, since the start of the war, 16 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been sentenced to prison for refusing military service.

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