Proposed Law in Ukraine Could Impose 3–7 Years in Prison for Denying the Holodomor

Draft Law No. 15192 Seeks Criminal Penalties for Holodomor Denial

According to Главком: A new bill, registered in Ukraine's parliament as Draft Law No. 15192, introduces criminal liability for publicly denying the Holodomor of 1932–1933. If enacted, those convicted could face prison sentences ranging from three to seven years. This initiative aims to safeguard the national memory and identity of the Ukrainian people, reflecting ongoing efforts to legally protect historical truth.

The legislation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Holodomor as an act of genocide, noting that millions of Ukrainians perished not due to natural disasters but as a result of deliberate decisions by the totalitarian regime. According to the bill's explanatory note, the Holodomor is not merely a past tragedy-it serves as a cornerstone of Ukraine's historical memory, shaping both the present and future of the nation.

Commemorating the Victims of the Holodomor

Every year in Ukraine, the fourth Saturday of November is observed as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Holodomor of 1932–1933, as well as for other man-made famines that occurred in 1921–1923 and 1946–1947. Draft Law No. 15192 is a response to critical threats to Ukraine's national security, particularly amid ongoing armed aggression and intensified information-psychological operations aimed at eroding Ukrainian identity.

This proposed law carries significance not only for the legal domain but also for shaping public consciousness around historical events that have profoundly impacted the Ukrainian nation. As the Holodomor remains a subject of political and historical debate, its formal recognition as genocide is seen as a crucial step in strengthening national identity and awareness.

• Introducing criminal liability for denying the Holodomor could serve as a tool to protect against attempts to downplay or distort this history in the information space.