Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law introducing criminal penalties for antisemitism in Ukraine, including prison sentences of up to eight years.
The legislation, known as Law No. 2037-IX, incorporates antisemitic offenses directly into Ukraine’s criminal code for the first time. Previous legislation, adopted in 2021, defined antisemitism but did not establish specific punishments.
The legislation was overwhelmingly supported by the country’s parliament.
Under the new law, acts such as incitement to hatred, discrimination, or restricting rights on the basis of antisemitism can result in fines, limits on liberty, or prison terms of up to three years. Sentences increase to as much as five years if aggravating factors are present, including violence, threats, deception, or abuse of official authority.
In the most serious cases — including crimes committed by organized groups or those causing significant harm — offenders could face between five and eight years in prison. Courts may also bar convicted individuals from holding certain positions.
