Investigator for especially important cases of the Investigative Department for the city of Kovrov of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Vladimir Region Y. N. Nikulin initiates a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation in the activities of an extremist organization) against 54-year-old Mikhail Sveshnikov.
Two law enforcement officers detain Mikhail Sveshnikov on the street near his house. They run up to him from behind and knock him to the ground. The believer is searched and his smartphone is seized. Senior Lieutenant of Justice A. O. Blokhin reads out the decision of the Kovrov City Court on the initiation of a criminal case and the conduct of a search. During the investigative actions, video is being filmed. Law enforcement officers seize electronic devices, bank cards, greeting cards. Mikhail and his son are taken for interrogation. Then Mikhail was escorted to the temporary detention center in Kameshkovo. The interrogation of his son continues until late in the evening.
The Kovrov City Court of the Vladimir Region chooses a measure of restraint for Mikhail Sveshnikov in the form of house arrest.
The court changes Mikhail Sveshnikov's measure of restraint to a ban on certain actions.
The court extends Sveshnikov's measure of restraint, but at the same time reduces the time of the ban on leaving the apartment. He is still unable to communicate with witnesses in the criminal case, to send and receive postal and telegraphic items, as well as to use communications and the Internet.
Investigator A. Zhokin makes a decision to bring Mikhail Sveshnikov as an accused. According to the investigation, the believer, among other things, "in order to increase the psychological effect on those present [at the services] ... carried out religious performances... personally read religious texts to those present."
The believers' case is sent to the Kovrov City Court of the Vladimir Region and is referred to Judge Natalia Novikova for consideration.