Ukrainian courts overturn 9 in 10 of conscription law violation cases – findings

Source: Opendatabot

Ukrainian courts have revoked 30 out of 34 fines imposed on Ukranian consripts by recruitment offices over alleged conscription law violations, according to an Opendatabot report.

After a new conscription law was put in place demanding men aged 18-60 to update their conscription documents, Ukrainian courts have reviewed 34 cases when people contested the penalties imposed. Courts have upheld only 4 earlier penality rulings.

Most overturned fines were related to violations that happened before the new law came into effect. Opentadata found that courts adhere to the principle of non-retroactivity, which prevents penalties for past infractions under new rules.

One notable case involved a female medic who contested a fine imposed after she had completed her medical education before the new registration requirements were established. The court revoked the fine, admiting it was issued in error as the law could not be applied retroactively.

In 20% of the cases, fines were contested over procedural errors or lack of evidence. For example, one Ukrainian challenged a fine he had been issued after he allegedly failed to update his consription papers by presenting evidence that he had obtained a temporary registration certificate two weeks earlier.

In another case, a man on a visit to the recruitment office to update his information was slaped a fine without proper evidence or adherence to legal deadlines, which also made the court revoke the penalty.