UKRAINE: 3 years in prison for conscientious objector Vitalii Kryushenko, 700+ in the waiting room
HRWF / JW.org(12.02.2025) – On 27 January 2025, Vitalii Kryushenko began serving a three-year prison sentence for his refusal to be drafted into the military. He is one of the first Jehovah’s Witnesses to be imprisoned for conscientious objection since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.
Notably, Article 35 of Ukraine’s Constitution guarantees alternative civilian service to individuals who object to performing military service based on their personal beliefs. However, despite this constitutional law, Vitalii Kryushenko was convicted and sentenced to prison. Furthermore, over 700 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine are currently facing similar prosecution as conscientious objectors.
After receiving a military summons in April 2024, Vitalii’s personal convictions prompted him to request alternative civilian service. Nevertheless, in July 2024, he was convicted of evading military service and sentenced to prison. Vitalii immediately appealed the decision, which the Sumy Court of Appeals rejected.
See HRWF reports on conscientious objection in Ukraine HERE
Photo: Credit: JW.ORG