There will be no responsibility for obtaining Russian passport in occupied territories – Justice Ministry
Citizens, who received a Russian passport under duress in the temporarily occupied territories, will not be held responsible for this, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine says.
"The aggressor-state continues to carry out targeted and planned attacks on civilians and their property throughout Ukraine, audaciously violating all norms of international law. The absence of legitimate authorities and justice, the systematic imposition of enemy narratives and massive violations of human rights have become a new reality that the Russian Federation imposed on millions of Ukrainians under temporary occupation, replacing civilized living conditions with torture," the ministry said.
One example of when a person is deprived of the opportunity to choose can be forced certification in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, which is one of the numerous proofs of violation of citizens' rights.
"Persons who have committed a socially dangerous act in order to avoid ill-treatment will not be held accountable. Article 40 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, if there is evidence of the use of mental coercion, provides them with full legal protection in court," the ministry stressed.
In particular, among the measures taken by the aggressor in the territories under his control is the forced russification of citizens who have a Ukrainian passport. "Russia inflicts maximum suffering on the civilian population, because the presence of a Ukrainian passport is regarded as an act of protest. Thus, under extremely difficult living conditions in the occupation, local residents are forced to take Russian citizenship. At the same time, we inform you that such documents have no legal force and are not recognized anywhere except in the occupied territories," the message says.
The Ministry of Justice stressed that forced certification is illegal and is not recognized in Ukraine and in the world, as it contradicts the principles and norms of international law and is a violation of the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.
"Responsibility for acts committed under duress or as a result of fear for one's life cannot be equivalent to responsibility for the actions or inaction of those who consciously support the enemy," the ministry concluded.