Belarusian Man Sentenced to Correctional Labour for Refusing Military Training on Religious Grounds

Reform.news Editorial Team · 6 November 2026, 19:14

https://reform.news/en/belarusian-man-sentenced-to-correctional-labour-for-refusing-military-training-on-religious-grounds/

Minsk resident Yauhen Shvedau, a Jehovah’s Witness, has been sentenced to six months of correctional labour, with 20% of his earnings to be withheld in favour of the state. He was tried for refusing to take part in military training on religious grounds, Christian Vision reports, citing human rights organisation Forum 18.

In April and May 2023 and in August 2025, Shvedau was exempted from military training on religious grounds. However, on October 7, 2035, when he reported to the assembly point and explained why he refused to undergo military training, officials verbally refused to grant him an exemption and called the police. In December 2025, a criminal case was opened against Shvedau under Article 436 of the Criminal Code.

On April 13, 2026, the Pervomaisky District Court of Minsk found Shvedau guilty and sentenced him to six months of correctional labour. On June 16, the Minsk City Court dismissed his appeal, after which the sentence entered into force. The believer has filed a cassation appeal and also challenged the original decision calling him up for military training.

Alternative civilian service has existed in Belarus since 2016 but does not apply to reservists. Representatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses explained that by the time alternative service was introduced, Shvedau had already exceeded the age limit for exercising this right.