Zelensky signed the law on criminal liability for manifestations of anti-Semitism

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a draft law criminalizing manifestations of anti-Semitism in the country. According to Radio Liberty, the relevant amendments have been made to the Criminal Code of Ukraine to clarify the norms on violation of equal rights of citizens.

According to the adopted document, Article 161 of the Criminal Code is supplemented with the wording «manifestations of anti-Semitism». This term defines a specific form of discrimination directed against Jews as an ethnic or religious group. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, the law provides for punishment ranging from fines to eight years in prison for actions that contribute to inciting national or religious hatred, as well as for insulting the feelings of citizens.

The bill was initiated by a group of MPs from the Servant of the People faction. The document became a logical continuation of the basic law «On preventing and countering anti-Semitism in Ukraine», which was adopted back in 2021. It is worth noting that the Verkhovna Rada voted for the current changes in February 2022, after which they were awaiting the signature of the head of state.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that Volodymyr Zelensky held a solemn meeting with rabbis of Ukrainian cities and representatives of Jewish communities, timed to coincide with the Pesach holiday.