In Odesa, a man refused to fight due to his faith, but forgot the 'Our Father' in court.

Man in a church
Man in a church

The court in Odesa considered the case of a man who did not want to serve in the Armed Forces, citing his religious beliefs. The court found that this man had refused to accept a summons to the military unit in February 2024. The verdict states that he was unable to fully read the prayer and several commandments.

The man explained in court that he did not wish to serve as he has a wife and two children, and military service may endanger his life and family interests. He also expressed his disagreement with the military commission's conclusion about his fitness for service but did not contest it due to a lack of information on such an opportunity.

The defendant's wife stated that she did not want her husband to serve in the military and entrusted him to write a refusal. She also mentioned his alleged religiosity. However, no priest whom he visited was named.

The court found the man guilty of refusing mobilization and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment. The verdict can be appealed. 


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