Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set a special precedent, for the first time in the history of modern Ukraine after the fall of communism, and signed a new law, numbered 2037, which introduces criminal liability for anti-Semitic acts and creates a graduated punishment scale for anti-Semitic offenders, according to their actions, and can put them in prison for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zelensky's signed order shows the extent to which Ukraine is taking practical steps on the ground to maintain the security of its Jewish citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new law was preceded by two bills adopted by the Ukrainian parliament "on preventing and combating anti-Semitism" in 2021 and the following year, but now the laws are taking practical effect, with the signing of the presidential decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the new law, any incitement to hatred, restriction of rights, discrimination, or public display of anti-Semitism will be punishable by immediate fines, the possibility of restricting the offender's freedom, imprisonment of up to three years, and even disqualification of the perpetrator from holding public office or engaging in various professional activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the case of physical violence or threats of violence, the offender will receive a five-year prison sentence, while if the offense led to physical harm, or was committed within the framework of an "organized group," the sentence will reach up to eight years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jewish community in Ukraine warmly welcomed the decision, saying that it was an event that became a "test of seriousness" of the establishment's intention to fight anti-Semitism, as it was not just statements or talk, but something that would lead to real criminal consequences. Community sources also noted that in recent years, Russia has tried to persuade local youths to commit violent acts against Jews in order to slander Ukraine in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\""The new law is very important as it draws clear lines for society. Prejudices cannot be eliminated by law, but laws shape public expectations, create clear lines and remove anti-Semitism from the public arena. We hope that, as in neighboring Hungary, this will also eventually have an impact on prejudices and lead to more inclusion," says a source at the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added, "Even so, in recent years there has been a sharp decrease in the commission of anti-Semitic acts in Ukraine, and we hope that this legislation will completely eradicate anti-Semitism. We thank President Zelensky for the courage he has shown. Anti-Semitism and anarchy go hand in hand, and we are certain that the measures against anti-Semitism will also affect crime on the streets.".<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a special precedent, for the first time in the history of modern Ukraine after the fall of communism, and signed a new law, numbered 2037, which introduces criminal liability for anti-Semitic acts and creates a graduated punishment scale for anti-Semitic offenders, depending on their actions and can put them in prison for many years. Zelensky\u2019s signed decree shows how much Ukraine is taking practical steps on the ground to protect [\u2026]","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65802],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1059728","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-65802"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n