On March 19, Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv illegally detained Yurii Sheliazhenko—a respected peace advocate, conscientious objector, and member of the Veterans For Peace Advisory Board.
He has presented at two Free Press salons in the past.
Yurii is also:
- Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement
- A council member of the International Peace Bureau
- A board member of World Beyond War
He has dedicated his life to nonviolent resistance, human rights, and peace. Yurii addressed the Veterans For Peace 2023 Convention Welcome Ceremony.
His detention was carried out without a proper legal basis and without the required procedural safeguards under Ukrainian law. This is a clear and targeted violation of human rights.
We cannot stay silent!
TAKE ACTION NOW
Sign the petition demanding Yurii’s immediate release and the dropping of all charges.
What Happened
On March 19, representatives of the Pechersk District Police—along with an individual claiming to be from the Territorial Recruitment Center—detained Yurii.
He was able to contact his lawyer, but authorities proceeded without waiting for legal counsel, violating his rights.
Why This Matters
If a nonviolent advocate like Yurii can be detained for his beliefs, it threatens conscientious objectors and peace activists everywhere.
We must send a clear message: The world is watching.
Stand in Solidarity
- Sign the petition today.
- Share this alert with your networks.
- Help us show the Ukrainian government that Yurii is not alone.