The Case of Firsov and Kovalenko in Slavgorod

Case History

In June 2026, in the cities of Yarovoye and Slavgorod, Altai Territory, officers of the Investigative Committee detained Valeriy Firsov and Viktor Kovalenko, both 69, who practice the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were interrogated as suspects in participating in extremist activity and sent to a temporary detention facility. The following day, they were charged with organizing the activity of an extremist organization. Several months earlier, searches were conducted at the homes of the believers. After their detention, Viktor and Valeriy were placed under house arrest.
Timeline

Filter
  • #
    House arrest Elderly
  • #
    Health risk Elderly

    Valeriy Firsov and Viktor Kovalenko are beginning to review the case materials. The investigator does not allow them to copy the video recordings onto a memory card, citing the ban on believers using communication devices. During the review, Kovalenko suffers heart problems and is taken by ambulance to the cardiology department of Slavgorod. It is now being considered whether to transfer him to the hospital in Barnaul.

  • #
    Health risk

    The investigator comes directly to the hospital to see Kovalenko and, under threat of immediate detention, forces him to sign a document confirming that he has reviewed the case materials.

    On the same day, Firsov also completes his review of the case — also under pressure: the investigator rushes him and once again denies him access to the video materials.

  • #
    Case went to court Art. 282.2 (1)

    The criminal case goes to the Slavgorod City Court of the Altai Territory. Judge Olga Filippova will hear the case. Previously, she handed down a guilty verdict against Barsukov and Yeliseev — 6 years' imprisonment each.

Back to top