Baptist in Volyn gets suspended sentence for refusing mobilization

Baptist sentenced for refusing mobilization. Photo: volynnews.com

The Kovel City District Court in the Volyn region sentenced Veniamin K., a member of an Evangelical Christian Baptist church, to three years in prison for evading mobilization, but suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for one year, Volynnews reports.

In June 2024, a military medical commission found the Baptist fit for service in logisitc units, TRCs, as well as training and social support centers. He was served with a summons but refused to report to a military unit.

Law enforcement authorities charged him under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – evasion of military service during mobilization.

During the trial, the defendant partially pleaded guilty, while also arguing that the medical examination had been conducted with procedural violations and had failed to take his existing medical conditions into account. He stressed that he belongs to an Evangelical Christian Baptist church and that his Christian beliefs prohibit him from taking up arms.

The believer said he was not evading his civic duty but acting according to his conscience, and expressed his willingness to serve society in other ways. He noted that he regularly helped displaced people at his prayer house and took part in rebuilding homes destroyed by the war.

The court sentenced Veniamin K. to three years in prison. However, taking into account his positive character references and active involvement in his church community, it suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for one year.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of Ukrainian Baptists assured the US that there is no persecution for faith in Ukraine.

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