Court in Odesa region rules that Jehovah's Witnesses' charter does not prohibit them from fighting

The Zakhariv District Court of Odesa Region found a resident of the region guilty of evading military service during mobilization and sentenced him to three years in prison.

As stated in the court' s verdict, the accused did not admit his guilt in committing the crime and provided the following testimony. On July 3, 2024, he voluntarily came to the territorial center for recruitment and social support and on the same day sent a mailed application requesting to replace military service with non-military service and a certificate that he was a clergyman.

He also said that he had sent a similar application and certificate to the Zatyshany village council. On July 6, 2024, he came to the CCC again and verbally and in writing informed the CCC staff that he was a Jehovah's Witness, as he wanted his deep religious conviction to be taken into account, because obeying God's orders is the meaning of his life. The man was baptized in 2014 and it is not acceptable for him to be a military servant, take an oath, receive a salary and wear a uniform. However, he noted that he wants to be useful to the state and society, but only in a civilian way. He noted that Jehovah's Witnesses meet twice a week. He provides spiritual support, makes speeches, holds meetings, explains and helps believers, and preaches the good news. In view of the above, he asked the court to acquit him.

However, the judges, who were provided with a copy of the charter of the religious organization "Religious Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ukraine," decided that none of the provisions of this document specified any prohibitions for members of the said religious organization to carry or use weapons, wear military uniforms, receive military pay, or perform military service in general.

Кирило Бойко