Prison guards led Vitalii Kryschenko to an inhospitable, cramped cell. Inside, the prisoners were curious. They watched with great interest as Kryschenko found his allotted place. A small, gentle man with a nervous expression, he wasn’t a typical criminal but a Jehovah’s Witness. Kryschenko was jailed by Ukrainian authorities for refusing to go to war; taking up arms is forbidden by his religion. He was now going to share his days with the very worst of Ukrainian society. This would include thieves, those guilty of assault or worse. 

‘I was living with murderers, people jailed for life,’ he said. ‘It was terrifying. On my first night, I asked myself how I would survive in these conditions. All the same, I continued my daily prayers and read the Bible.’

In January last year, Kryschenko became the first Jehovah’s Witness to be imprisoned in Ukraine for conscientious objection since the full-scale invasion began. Though released earlier this year, he is still classified as a convict. Knowing he will soon again be called up for military service, Kryschenko prepares for further jail time. ‘Life hasn’t changed,’ he said:

Ukraine’s need for manpower will only increase

Ukraine’s need for manpower will only increase

Since I follow the rules, I will present myself when summoned by the military court, but the story will start again. 

Since I follow the rules, I will present myself when summoned by the military court, but the story will start again. 

Fifteen more Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced jail since Kryschenko’s imprisonment, according to........

© The Spectator