The Law on Liability for Anti-Semitism Enters into Force: A Legal Breakthrough and a Record Number of Signings

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law amending the Criminal Code on liability for anti-Semitism — a document that remained unsigned for more than four years after its adoption by parliament. This period has become a de facto record among the so-called “suspended” laws.

What the law changes

The changes have been made to Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for violating the equality of citizens. From now on, manifestations of anti-Semitism are directly classified as criminally punishable acts — with sanctions ranging from fines to restriction or imprisonment.

In particular, public manifestations of hostility are subject to a fine or restriction of liberty for up to five years. If such actions are accompanied by violence, threats, or are committed by officials, imprisonment and additional restrictions on holding positions are possible.

What is considered anti-Semitism

The legal definition of anti-Semitism was enshrined in a separate law back in 2021. Such manifestations include the denial of the right of Jews to self-identification, the spread of stereotypes, collective responsibility, as well as the denial or justification of the Holocaust.

In addition, the law covers acts of vandalism, damage to property, desecration of memorial sites, and the dissemination of hateful materials.

The legal aspect of the “delayed” signature

According to the Constitution, the president must sign or veto a law within 15 days. At the same time, Ukrainian legislation does not contain a clear mechanism for action in case of violation of this deadline, which creates legal uncertainty and allows certain laws to remain without movement for years.

Experts point to the need to resolve this gap, but during the period of martial law, relevant changes to the legislation, in particular at the constitutional level, remain a difficult task.

Political and international context

The signing of the law also has foreign policy significance. It demonstrates Ukraine’s consistency in combating discrimination and contributes to strengthening international relations, in particular with Israel.

At the same time, according to sources, the signing was previously postponed due to the risks of information manipulation by Russia, but now these reservations have lost their relevance.

Thus, the adopted document not only strengthens criminal law protection against manifestations of hatred, but also raises the issue of improving the legislative procedure in Ukraine.