The court recognized the right of citizens to refuse military service based on religious beliefs

A legal precedent occurred in the issue of refusal of military service “due to religious beliefs”. The Boryspil city district court in Kiev Region has found innocent and acquitted a minister of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine religious organization accused of evading military service during mobilization. About it reports “Glavcom”.

“According to the case materials, in June 2023, the accused successfully passed a medical examination, where he was recognized as healthy and fit for service. However, he did not show up for the draft in the 184th training center of the AFU, which entailed the opening of criminal proceedings. In court, the man stated that as a dedicated member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he could not take up arms and participate in military actions. The court, having considered all aspects of the case, concluded that the right to alternative service provided for in Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine is not restricted even during martial law. This decision emphasizes the importance of observing the constitutional rights of citizens regardless of the circumstances”, – stated in the message.

We will remind, earlier we reported that the 68-year-old rector of the Holy Cross Cathedral of the UOC of the Uzhgorod city Archpriest Dmitry Sidor was served a summons to undergo a commission in the local TCC.