No prosecution for people forced to take Russian passports – Ukraine’s justice ministry

Source: Ukraine’s justice ministry

On Monday, Ukraine’s justice ministry made it clear that Ukrainians who have stayed in occupied regions will face no prosecution in case they ‘have been forced into obtaining a Russian passport’.

The ministry said it will not count as a voluntary decision assuming many people there deal with pressure and threats. Under Article 40 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, evidence of coercion provides these individuals with legal protection.

As part of Russia’s intimidation campaign, it is a clear violation of human rights, international laws, and the Geneva Conventions, which means that  Russian-issued documents will hold no legal value outside the occupied areas.