The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed a law that introduces criminal liability for manifestations of anti-Semitism. The document was adopted back in February 2022, but it has only now come into effect. This is reported by BBC Ukraine.
Law on Anti-Semitism: what responsibility is provided
Amendments have been made to Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. From now on, manifestations of anti-Semitism will entail:
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a fine of 3400 to 8500 hryvnias
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or restriction of liberty for a period of 3 to 5 years
If the offense is accompanied by violence, threats, or committed by an official, the punishment is intensified:
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a fine of 8500 to 17,000 hryvnias
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or imprisonment from 2 to 5 years
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with a prohibition on holding certain positions for up to 3 years.
In the case of actions by an organized group or severe consequences, up to 8 years of imprisonment is provided for.
Manifestations of anti-Semitism: what exactly falls under the law
As early as 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine identified a list of actions that are considered anti-Semitism. Among them:
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denial of the right of Jews to self-identification
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spreading stereotypes and collective responsibility
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denial or justification of the Holocaust
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calls for violence.
Acts of vandalism, damage to religious buildings, desecration of cemeteries and monuments, as well as the spreading of symbols that incite hatred are also considered violations.
Legislative initiatives to counter anti-Semitism began to be developed back in 2021. At that time, parliament adopted a basic law that defined the term itself and the list of prohibited actions.
Amendments to the Criminal Code were supported by deputies on February 15, 2022—just a few days before the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia. However, the signing of the document by the president was delayed for more than four years.
Now these norms officially come into effect, and the responsibility for such offenses becomes a real tool in the legal system.
Let us remind you that in the Eastern Pyrenees of France, they decided to punish the head of a recreational park who refused to let 150 Israeli children into the park area.