22nd April 2026
The «Jehovah’s Witnesses» (JW) are a recognized religious organization in Ukraine. Since 2025, their members have been imprisoned for conscientious objection. Currently, 17 are in prison.
This constitutes a violation of Art. 35 of the Ukrainian Constitution, Art. 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Art. 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ICCPR), as well as the EU accession project adopted by Ukraine on May 14, 2025, which includes the right to conscientious objection. Furthermore, it contradicts the Amicus Curiae decision of the Venice Commission: «The state may not use the need to ensure national security as the sole basis for restricting the exercise of the right of a person or group to practice their religion.»