Since 2008, there have been 64 physical assaults in Ukraine against Jehovah’s Witnesses while they were engaged in or had just completed religious activity. Sixteen of these assaults were committed by Orthodox priests.

From 2008 to 2013 there were also 190 acts of vandalism against Kingdom Halls and perpetrators made 13 attempts to destroy the buildings by arson. During 2012 and 2013, acts of vandalism against Kingdom Halls doubled compared to the previous four years.

The severity of the attacks is also increasing. In 2012, two Kingdom Halls in the Donetsk Region were completely destroyed by fire. In 2013, two incidents of physical assault caused injuries so severe that the victims required extended hospitalization.

Attacks on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine The graph below illustrates the increasing attacks on Jehovah’s Witnesses and their Kingdom Halls in Ukraine. [1] Acts of vandalism; [2] Physical assaults

The Witnesses have turned to the authorities for protection but have found no relief because the authorities have not conducted prompt and effective investigations or acted to appropriately punish the offenders.