Jehovah’s Witnesses

April 4, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Six Years in Penal Colony for One of Jehovah's Witnesses in Chelyabinsk

April 4, 2025

New Prisoners of Conscience

Andrey Mikhaylov

April 3, 2025

Referee: Yulianna Vysokikh. Sovetsky District Court of the City of Chelyabinsk (76 Elkina Street, Chelyabinsk). Start: 11:00.

First Instance Sentence

Case of Khamatshin in Chelyabinsk

April 3, 2025

Referee: Yevgeniy Kolesov. Kurgan City Court of the Kurgan Region (35 Dzerzhinsky Street, Kurgan). Start: 11:00.

First Instance Sentence

Case of Skudaev in Kurgan

April 1, 2025

The believer explained that Jehovah's Witnesses talk to people about a good future, give them hope, cheer them up, and comfort them. He asked the court: "Is it illegal to help people? And he added: "All my actions... are motivated by love for people and God."

Final statement

Defendant Maksim Khamatshin's Last Word in Chelyabinsk

April 1, 2025

Astrakhan Region, Stavropol Territory

Crimes Against Believers

Ill-treatment of Anna Safronova in Penal Colony

April 1, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court Ordered Pensioner From Kovrov, 72, to Pay Fine for Believing in God

April 1, 2025

The prosecutor requests a sentence of 7 years in a general regime colony for Maksim Khamatshin. The believer makes the final statement. 30 people come to support him, 10 are allowed into the meeting room.

Prosecutor requested punishment

Case of Khamatshin in Chelyabinsk

March 31, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

The First Sentence for Jehovah's Witnesses in the Tver Region — Four Men Got Six Years in Prison

March 31, 2025

Actions of Law Enforcement Officers

New Searches in Tambov Region. Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses There Has Been Going on for 15 Years

April 2, 2025

Presiding judge: Elena Buraya. The Sixth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction (Samara, Krymskaya Square, 1). Start: 10:20.

Court of Cassation

The Case of Dolganov in Tolyatti

Samara Region

April 3, 2025

Referee: Sapar Baichorov. Cherkessk City Court of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (24 Voroshilova Street, Cherkessk). Beginning: 14:30.

Prosecutor requested punishment

The Case of Fomin in Cherkessk

March 31, 2025

Anatoly Marunov underwent a course of IVs, thanks to which he feels better. However, he is still very weak, it is difficult for him to stand and sit. An additional medical examination is pending.

Life in prison

The Case of Mareyev and Others in Moscow

April 3, 2025

Referee: Irina Trubitsina. Gryazinsky City Court of the Lipetsk Region (36 Red Square, Gryazi).

Closing arguments for the defense

The case of Reshetnikov and Others in Gryazi

March 28, 2025

Garegin Khachaturyan is in the punishment cell for the second time since his arrival at the colony. The first time he spent two days there. Now the believer is placed in an isolation ward for seven days, allegedly for "storing tea and sugar in the bedside table."

Life in prison

The Case of Yeritsyan and Others in Novocherkassk

Rostov Region

March 28, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Kovrov Court Fines Mikhail Sveshnikov Quarter of Million Rubles for Christian Activity

March 28, 2025

The prosecutor requested large fines for the defendants as a punishment: Podolin - 800 thousand rubles; Popras - 790 thousand rubles; Khmil - 750 thousand rubles; Kretov and Reshetnikov - 500 thousand rubles each; Vyrezkova and Morglang - 490 thousand rubles each and Perekatiy - 400 thousand rubles.…

Prosecutor requested punishment

The case of Reshetnikov and Others in Gryazi

March 27, 2025

The defendants make their final statement. The judge pronounces sentence on four believers. She separates the case against Naumenko into a separate proceeding and suspends it.

Final statement

The case of Starikov and Others in Konakovo

March 27, 2025

In his final statement, the believer spoke about the biblical view of persecution for faith and concluded: "I did not harm anyone, I did not violate the law of the state. Therefore, I do not feel guilty, my conscience is calm."

Final statement

Defendant Aleksandr Starikov's last word in Konakovo

March 27, 2025

"Faith in the God of love does not give me room to just think about something that even remotely resembles extremism!" the believer emphasized, addressing the court.

Final statement

Defendant Oleg Katamov's last word in Konakovo

March 27, 2025

The believer noted: "I do not hold a grudge against the unfair accusations against me and do not hate any person who differs from me in religion, origin and views on life. … This is the main proof of my innocence."

Final statement

Defendant Aleksandr Shchetinin's last word in Konakovo

March 26, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Two Residents of the Kuril Islands Were Sentenced to Suspended Term. The Court Considered Conversations About the Bible to Be Extremism

March 26, 2025

Actions of Law Enforcement Officers

Homes of Jehovah's Witnesses Searched in Tomsk, 6 Believers Detained

March 26, 2025

The court changes the restriction measure for Sergey Bagiyan, who was under house arrest for 11 months. A ban on certain actions has been established in relation to the believer.

Prohibition of certain actions

The case of Bashabayev and Others in Saratov

Saratov Region

March 26, 2025

Referee: Natalia Novikova. Kovrov City Court of Vladimir Region (21 Shchorsa Street, Kovrov).

Final statement

The Case of Sveshnikov in Kovrov

March 26, 2025

In his final statement, the believer called his criminal prosecution absurd: "It is surprising that this is happening not in Iran, not in Afghanistan, not in North Korea, but in a country that calls itself Christian. It turns out that Christians persecute Christians."

Final statement

Defendant Mikhail Sveshnikov's last word in Kovrov

March 26, 2025

Yevgeniy Dodolin, Tatyana Dodolina

New Prisoners of Conscience

March 25, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court of Appeal in Sverdlovsk Region Upheld Suspended Sentences for Tree of Jehovah's Witnesses. One of Convicts Is Disabled Person of Group II

Sverdlovsk Region

March 25, 2025

Crimes Against Believers

In Kuban Elderly Jehovah's Witness Dies in Detention Center — He Was Denied Medical Care for Almost a Year

March 25, 2025

Referee: Artem Ozhev. Kovrov City Court of Vladimir Region (21 Shchorsa Street, Kovrov). Time: 14:00.

Final statement

Case of Sakun in Kovrov

March 25, 2025

Referee: Yevgeniy Kolesov. Kurgan City Court of the Kurgan Region (35 Dzerzhinsky Street, Kurgan). Start: 13:30.

Prosecutor requested punishment

Case of Skudaev in Kurgan

March 25, 2025

Anatoly Marunov's health is deteriorating rapidly - he has had a high fever since Thursday. According to him, on Friday it was above 39 degrees, it was difficult for him to breathe. On Saturday, the believer was visited by a paramedic, and later an ambulance was called, but Marunov was not…

Life in prison

The Case of Mareyev and Others in Moscow

March 25, 2025

"Love for God cannot be turned on or off by some kind of switch: when everything is good, you can love, and when everything is bad, you can dislike, renouncing your faith," the 72-year-old believer said in his final statement.

Final statement

Defendant Oleg Sakun's closing statement in Kovrov

March 25, 2025

In his final statement, the believer stressed that he was not involved in extremism. He drew attention to the fact that in the case materials the investigator had everywhere marked the name of God with a marker, and added: "I have such a picture that for the investigation the use of the name Jehovah is some kind of weapon of crime."

Final statement

Defendant Sergey Skudaev's last word in Kurgan

March 25, 2025

New Prisoners of Conscience

Yelena Mironova

March 25, 2025

Nikolay Kosov,, Larisa Kosova

New Prisoners of Conscience

March 25, 2025

Yevgeniy Abramov, Yana Abramova, Vladimir Pushkov, Aysulu Tastaybekova

New Prisoners of Conscience

March 24, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Peaceful Citizen of Maykop Sentenced to 6 Years in Penal Colony for Practicing his Religion and Reading the Bible

Adygea

March 23, 2025

Vladimir is feeling better, but chronic illnesses are making themselves felt. He is worried about his wife, from whom he has been separated for the second year. The believer is supported by letters from friends and thoughts from the Bible.

Detention center

The Case of Fomin in Cherkessk

March 21, 2025

Judge of the Kirovskiy District Court of Tomsk Maria Tynyana sends all six believers to a pre-trial detention center for a period of 2 months.

Detention center

Case of Pushkov and Others in Tomsk

March 21, 2025

The hearing is adjourned at the request of the state prosecutor, who has just entered the process. The judge extends Vladimir Fomin's detention for another 3 months.

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The Case of Fomin in Cherkessk

March 21, 2025

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk City Court (34 Bumazhnaya Street, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk). Referee: Maria Manaeva. Time: 14:30.

Final statement

The Case of Kalinnikova and Potapova in Kurilsk

March 21, 2025

Speaking before the court, the believer drew attention to the absurdity of the accusations against her: "The most harmless people were labeled extremists. It is very strange, because Jehovah's Witnesses do not take up arms, any form of cruelty is alien to us."

Final statement

Defendant Larisa Potapova's concluding remarks in Kurilsk

March 21, 2025

Speaking with the final statement, the believer said: "I have never been a source of extremism. Rather, on the contrary, I try to bring as much good as possible into my life and into the lives of the people around me."

Final statement

Defendant Olga Kalinnikova's concluding remarks in Kurilsk

March 20, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court Toughens Sentence for One of Jehovah's Witnesses from Biysk. Instead of a Suspended Sentence Sergey Lukin Was Given Forced Labor

Altai Territory

March 20, 2025

The court reverses the decision to terminate the criminal prosecution of Ilya Yershov under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. On the same day, he was charged under this article and a recognizance agreement was taken from him.

Art. 282.2 (1)

Case of Ershov in Shadrinsk

March 20, 2025

Vladlena Kukavitsa makes a remark, commenting on the prosecutor's statement that in conversations with Suvorova, the defendant read literature from the Federal List of Extremist Materials: "All the quotes I voiced were taken from the Bible, which I confirmed by presenting the court with quotations…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Kukavitsa in Birobidzhan

March 20, 2025

Homes of Jehovah's Witnesses are searched in Tomsk, after which three married couples are detained. The criminal case is initiated by the investigator for especially important cases of the second department for the investigation of especially important cases of the Investigative Directorate of the…

Case initiated

Case of Pushkov and Others in Tomsk

March 20, 2025

The investigator summons the Kosovs for questioning and presents them with a decision to bring them into custody. During the interrogation, the investigator asks if the couple know Albert Batchaev, whom he charged with extremism in 2020. Spouses are released on recognizance agreement.

Interrogation

Case of the Kosovs in Cherkessk

March 20, 2025

The interrogation of the defendants continues. Valeriy Khmil notes that the investigation calls the family children's holiday a meeting for worship of Jehovah's Witnesses. Svetlana Vyrezkova, who has been married for over 30 years, responds to the accusation of calling for the rupture of kinship and…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Reshetnikov and Others in Gryazi

March 19, 2025

Interrogation of two witnesses in the case. One of them has never attended meetings of believers in Kingisepp and does not know the defendants personally. The second witness retracted part of the testimony given to the investigator earlier. He explained this by the fact that he was not ready for the…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case in Kingisepp

Leningrad Region

March 19, 2025

Danielyan, and a few days later Polosenko and Kuzyanin, were placed in a punishment cell. Aram was reprimanded for bringing a book to his workplace to pass the time — there are no orders at the sewing factory where he works.

Life in prison

The Case of Polosenko and Others in Samara

Samara Region

March 18, 2025

Investigator Baltachev presents Elena Mironova with a decision to initiate a criminal case, interrogates her as a suspect and takes her on her recognizance agreement.

Interrogation

Case of Mironova in Chelyabinsk

March 18, 2025

During the interrogation, Aleksandr Popov draws attention to the fact that he is accused of participating in meetings for worship of Jehovah's Witnesses, at which believers pray together, discuss the Bible and sing religious songs. The prosecution calls such meetings meetings of members of a legal…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Popov in Kovrov

March 18, 2025

The judge rejects the defense's motion to exclude the expert examination from the case file.

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Penskaya in Vyselki

March 18, 2025

Garegin Khachaturian was placed in the PKT. He can receive letters.

Life in prison

The Case of Yeritsyan and Others in Novocherkassk

Rostov Region

March 17, 2025

Vitaly Komarov continues to work in the kitchen. He works seven days a week, so he does not have time to answer all letters from different regions and countries. The believer is grateful for them, as they help him maintain a positive attitude. Recently, Komarov had a long meeting with his wife.…

Life in prison

Case of Chaykovsky and others in Moscow

March 17, 2025

The prosecutor approves the indictment, according to which Oleg Artyomov is accused of organizing the activities of an extremist organization and financing these activities.

Art. 282.2 (1)

The case of Oleg Artemov in Chelyabinsk

March 17, 2025

Tatyana Pasynkova is included in the list of extremists of Rosfinmonitoring. Her accounts are blocked.

Rosfinmonitoring

The case of Tatiana Pasynkova in Mednogorsk

March 17, 2025

Yulia Pasynkova is included in the list of extremists of Rosfinmonitoring. Her accounts are blocked, she is experiencing difficulties in receiving disability benefits for her son.

Rosfinmonitoring

The case of Yuliya Pasynkova in Mednogorskiy

March 16, 2025

Maksim Derendyaev works as a cleaner 7 days a week, 16 hours a day. A believer has a Bible. He has not yet received letters of support.

Life in prison

The Case of Derendyaev and Others in Izhevsk

March 15, 2025

In the colony where 65-year-old Aleksey Trofimov is kept, most of the prisoners are under the age of 30. The believer is one of the oldest prisoners and enjoys the respect of others. He has a Bible, receives 60-70 letters every month and can call his relatives.

Life in prison

The Case of Malevaniy and Others in Spassk-Dalny

Primorye Territory

March 14, 2025

Viktor Chernov's case is being submitted to the Nadezhdinsky District Court, it will be considered by Judge Marina Sinitsyna.

Case went to court

Case of Chernov in Tavrichanka

Primorye Territory

March 14, 2025

Major of Justice V. E. Baltachev, Senior Investigator of the Third Department for Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Chelyabinsk Region, initiates a criminal case against Elena Mironova under…

Case initiated

Case of Mironova in Chelyabinsk

March 14, 2025

Daria Petrochenko is being held in a 4-bed cell. The investigator does not allow visits with relatives. She could see them only in the Moscow City Court during the hearing on the restriction measure. Daria wrote an application for an appointment with a therapist several times in connection with…

Detention center

Case of Murtuzov and Others in Moscow

March 14, 2025

There are 74 prisoners in Yevgeniy Korotun's detachment, many of them treat him with respect. He generously shares food and clothing. I am satisfied with my work related to the receipt, collection and shipment of packaging cardboard. In his spare time, he reads the Bible and books from the colony's…

Life in prison

Korotun case in Seversk

March 14, 2025

Aleksandr Kutin has respectful relations with prisoners and employees of the penal colony. His Bible was taken away for inspection by a priest, but has not yet been returned. The believer has already received several letters of support. Recently, he had a long date with his wife.

Life in prison

The Case of Derendyaev and Others in Izhevsk

March 14, 2025

In the Kolpinsky District Court of St. Petersburg, witnesses for the defense are being questioned via video conferencing. Anton Kuzhelkov's father-in-law characterizes him as a kind, honest person who respects government officials and observes the law. When asked by the lawyer whether the defendant…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Kuzhelkov and Prokhorov in Kirsanov

March 14, 2025

The management of the correctional center receives another letter of thanks addressed to Tatyana Piskareva The administration of the Kromsky district of the Oryol region expresses its gratitude to the believer for her "assistance in solving problems of improvement" and "gratuitous assistance to the…

Certificate of Gratitude

The Case of Piskareva in Oryol

Oryol Region

March 14, 2025

Viktor finally received dental care, he was also given vitamins and a blood pressure monitor, he regularly receives the necessary medications. He visits the store once a month. He is not working yet, but he has applied for the vacancy of an assembler of electrical accessories. The believer regularly…

Strict conditions of detention

The Case of Stashevskiy in Sevastopol

March 14, 2025

The case is submitted to the Khabez District Court of the KCR, it will be considered by Judge Nariman Abdokov.

Case went to court

The case of Yuliya Pasynkova in Mednogorskiy

March 13, 2025

Sergey Ashikhmin is in penal colony No. 4 in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Transfer of a prisoner

The Case of Derendyaev and Others in Izhevsk

March 1, 2025

The enterprise where Tatyana Piskareva performs forced labor expresses its gratitude to her for her "conscientious work, professionalism and responsibility." The letter of thanks also notes: "Your inextinguishable energy, hard work and concern for work does not leave anyone indifferent."

Certificate of Gratitude

The Case of Piskareva in Oryol

Oryol Region

March 13, 2025

Vitaliy Burik is included in the list of extremists of Rosfinmonitoring.

Rosfinmonitoring

Case of Burik in Kerch

March 13, 2025

Court hearings begin on the case of believers. They are held with the participation of a sign language interpreter, which makes it possible for Aleksandr Krushevsky, who is hearing impaired, to participate in the process.

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Krushevskiy and Artamonov in Birobidzhan

March 13, 2025

The interrogation of the defendants begins. As Sergey Kretov explains, he is a deeply religious man, and his convictions do not allow him to cultivate hatred towards people with other religious views. Yevgeniy Reshetnikov comments on the evidence presented by the prosecution and points out that the…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Reshetnikov and Others in Gryazi

March 6, 2025

Referee: Anton Izmodenov. Krasnoyarsk Regional Court (17 Mira Ave., Krasnoyarsk). Time: 11:00.

Court of Appeal

The Case of Chemrov in Nazarovo

Krasnoyarsk Territory

March 12, 2025

The Eighth Court of Cassation upholds the verdict. In fact, the believer has to serve another 2 years and 2 months in the colony. In the cassation appeal, the lawyer points to the violations committed by the courts of first and second instance. For example, there were errors in the conclusion of…

Court of Cassation

The Case of Yakovlev in Sosnovoborsk

Krasnoyarsk Territory

March 11, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

In Adygea, Court of Appeal Upholds Verdict Against Inver Siyukhov from Maykop — 6 Years in Penal Colony. Almost Served His Entire Sentence in Pretrial Detention

Adygea

March 11, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

In Blagoveshchensk Verdict Against Four Women — Jehovah's Witnesses — Entered Into Force. Court of Appeal Did Not Grant Their Appeals

Amur Region

February 6, 2025

Referee: Ekaterina Vershinina. Konakovo City Court of the Tver Region (13 Vasilkovskogo Street, Konakovo). Time: 10:30.

Prosecutor requested punishment

The case of Starikov and Others in Konakovo

March 10, 2025

Gevorg Yeritsyan is in pre-trial detention center No. 3 in the Rostov region.

Transfer of a prisoner

The Case of Yeritsyan and Others in Novocherkassk

Rostov Region

March 10, 2025

Judge of the Leninsky District Court of Tambov Lyudmila Karelina gives permission to search the house of Andrey Mikhailov.

The Case of Mikhailov in Tambov

March 10, 2025

Sergey Parfenovich is placed in a punishment cell for allegedly "closing the surveillance camera," although, according to one eyewitness, the believer did not do this. In this regard, a meeting with his wife scheduled for March was disrupted.

Life in prison

The Case of Parfenovich and Gerashchenko in Krasnogvardeyskoye

March 7, 2025

Igor Lonchakov and Yuriy Redozubov are in pre-trial detention center No. 1 in the Primorsky Territory. Igor Lonchakov, who has a serious chronic illness, is being held in a hospital at the pre-trial detention center in good conditions. The attitude of the administration and convicts is respectful.…

Detention center

The Case of Redozubov and Others in Vladivostok

Primorye Territory

March 6, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Six Years in Penal Colony for His Faith. Court Sentences 57-Year old Engineer From Kaltan

March 6, 2025

In his speech, the believer gave a number of arguments in favor of his innocence, and also explained why he considers the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia as a whole to be unjust.

Final statement

Aleksandr Tsikunov's concluding remarks in Kaltan

March 10, 2025

Supreme Court of the Republic of Adygea (32 Zhukovsky Street, Maykop). Time: 10:00.

Court of Appeal

The Case of Siyukhov in Maykop

Adygea

March 6, 2025

In connection with the current absence of a certified specialist in conducting religious examinations in the Russian Federal Center of Forensic Expertise, the study of the case materials is entrusted to the Ural Regional Center of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Kruglyakov and Others in Syktyvkar

March 6, 2025

Vladlena Kukavica speaks in the debate and asks for her acquittal. She notes that there were no signs of extremism in her actions, and says: "Everything that V.E. Suvorova and I talked about revolved around the Bible, biblical principles, laws and history. The court could be fully convinced of this…

Closing arguments for the defense

Case of Kukavitsa in Birobidzhan

March 6, 2025

Maksim Derendyaev lives in a barrack with 63 prisoners. He performs the duties of the person responsible for cleanliness in the barracks. He has his own copy of the Bible, he has not yet received letters after arriving at the colony. Recently there was a short date with friends.

Life in prison

The Case of Derendyaev and Others in Izhevsk

March 6, 2025

Sergey Gobozev is being held alone in a three-bed cell, for the order in which he has been praised by the administration. The man goes for walks and does physical exercises, he has the necessary medications. Recently, his wife came to him for a short date. In the pre-trial detention center, the…

Detention center

The Case of Gobozev and Potapov in Votkinsk

March 6, 2025

State prosecutor Roman Bryukhanov requests a fine of 480,000 rubles for the believer. Taking into account the four months that the defendant spent under house arrest, the prosecutor reduces the amount to 450 thousand.

Prosecutor requested punishment

The Case of Sveshnikov in Kovrov

March 6, 2025

Referee: Aleksey Semerikov. Kaltan District Court of the Kemerovo Region (30 Gorky Street, Kaltan). Time: 10:00.

First Instance Sentence

The Case of Tsikunov in Kaltan

March 5, 2025

After the transfer of Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko to the colony in Sarapul, many personal belongings were taken from them, which were allowed to be used in the previous colony. At the same time, Denis Peresunko was given the necessary inhalers, and Valery Rogozin was given his blood pressure…

Life in prison

Case of Rogozin and Others in Volgograd

Volgograd Region

March 5, 2025

Judge Andrey Zaloshkov granted Sergey Logunov's petition for the early cancellation of the suspended sentence and the removal of the conviction, since the believer had served half of the probationary period.

Suspended sentence

The Case of Kochnev and Others in Orenburg

Orenburg Region

March 5, 2025

Aleksandr Votyakov and Yevgeniy Stefanidin are in the Izhevsk pre-trial detention center, where they are awaiting transfer to a colony. The attitude of the administration and other prisoners towards them is good. For 2 weeks in the detention center, Aleksandr and Yevgeniy received 50 letters each.…

Detention center

The Case of Votyakov and Stefanidin in Izhevsk

March 4, 2025

Anastasia Anufrieva, Oksana Mikholap and Alyona Chernobaeva are in pre-trial detention center No. 1 in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Transfer of a prisoner

The Case of Anufriev and Others in Kstovo

Nizhegorod Region

March 4, 2025

Actions of Law Enforcement Officers

Homes of Jehovah's Witnesses Searched at Border with Kazakhstan. Case Initiated on Suspicion of Extremism

Altai Territory

March 4, 2025

The judicial investigation is being resumed. The judge grants the request of the defense to conduct a repeated comprehensive psychological, linguistic and religious forensic examination. The case materials will be sent to the Center for Forensic Examinations at the Russian Federal Center for…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Kruglyakov and Others in Syktyvkar

March 4, 2025

From the SHIZO, Sergey is transferred to strict conditions of detention. There are two other prisoners in the cell with him. Together they keep clean and exercise. The Bible has still not been returned to Sergey. Letters arrive, although with a delay. The believer has not yet received his personal…

Life in prison

The Case of Parfenovich and Gerashchenko in Krasnogvardeyskoye

March 4, 2025

The case is submitted to the Khabez District Court of the KCR, it will be considered by Judge Nariman Abdokov.

Case went to court

The case of Tatiana Pasynkova in Mednogorsk

March 3, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court in Sakhalin Sends Believer, 34, to Penal Colony.

March 3, 2025

Interrogation of the secret witness Andreev. The defense and the defendants file a motion to declassify it and ask for interrogation in the courtroom. According to Ivan Neverov, this is necessary, since during the trial it was obvious that the secret witnesses had repeatedly testified according to…

Secret witness

Case of Neverov and Others in Saransk

Mordovia

March 3, 2025

The Moscow Regional Court, having spent less than a minute in the deliberation room, leaves Dmitriy Mladov under arrest.

Detention center

The Case of Mladov and Inkina in Dubna

Moscow Region

February 28, 2025

"I still don't understand why I'm accused of extremism," Daler told the judges. "I'm sure it's a terrible mistake."

Final statement

Defendant Daler Tokhtayev's closing statement in Poronaysk

February 28, 2025

Yuriy Chernyshev is being held in a barrack for 90 people, where about 65 prisoners are currently living. There is a shop on the territory of the colony where prisoners can buy food, but they have to stand in queues for 3-4 hours.

Life in prison

Case of Chaykovsky and others in Moscow

February 28, 2025

The Leninsky District Court of Orenburg cancels the suspended sentence of Vladimir Kochnev and removes his criminal record.

Clearing criminal records

The Case of Kochnev and Others in Orenburg

Orenburg Region

February 28, 2025

The defendants read out their attitude to the charges. The prosecutor's office believes that participation in collective religious meetings via video conferencing in the Zoom application online with friends and fellow believers is a continuation of the activities of the liquidated religious…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Kovadnev and Others in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Khabarovsk Territory

February 28, 2025

The prosecutor returns the case for additional investigation and elimination of the detected violations. He believes that the case should be reclassified from the article on participation in the activities of an extremist organization to the organization of this activity (part 1 of article 282.2 of…

Case returned to investigator

The case of Oleg Artemov in Chelyabinsk

February 28, 2025

Daler Tokhtaev makes his final statement.

Final statement

The Case of Tokhtaev in Poronaysk

February 28, 2025

In his final statement, the believer said that he has been living according to the Bible for 36 years, and this helps him to lead a happy family life, be a responsible worker, maintain good relations with others and respect authority. He says: "I imitate God, who shows love, and I am accused of extremism."

Final statement

Defendant Andrey Kharlamov's last word in Syktyvkar

February 27, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Another Guilty Verdict Against One of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kamchatka. Believer, 45, Given 6-Year Suspended Sentence

February 27, 2025

Referee: Aleksandr Kulikov. Birobidzhan District Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region (32 Pionerskaya Street, Birobidzhan). Time: 14:30.

Prosecutor requested punishment

Case of Kukavitsa in Birobidzhan

February 27, 2025

Sergey had another short meeting with his wife. For more than a month, the believer has not received a letter.

Life in prison

The Case of Mareyev and Others in Moscow

February 26, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court in Kuban Sentences One of Jehovah's Witnesses, Sending Him to a Penal Colony for His Faith in God

February 10, 2025

For all the time that Sergey Parfenovich has been in the penal colony, he has been given only one letter. The believer was also not allowed to take his personal copy of the Bible. Sergey considers the conditions of detention acceptable: he has everything he needs and does not need anything in terms…

Life in prison

The Case of Parfenovich and Gerashchenko in Krasnogvardeyskoye

February 26, 2025

The defendants make their final statement.

Final statement

Case of Kruglyakov and Others in Syktyvkar

February 26, 2025

Investigator Aleksey Bolotov, lieutenant of justice, opens a criminal case against 41-year-old Andrey Mikhailov. The investigation considers the discussion of the Bible with friends to be the organization of the activities of an extremist organization.

Case initiated

The Case of Mikhailov in Tambov

February 26, 2025

"I have never called for the overthrow of the constitutional order, nor have I ever said words that incite hatred or enmity," Aleksandr Ketov said in his closing statement. "Moreover, any actions related to enmity and hatred contradict my religious views based on the Bible."

In the courtroom

Aleksandr Ketov's concluding remarks in Syktyvkar

February 26, 2025

"Martin Nemöller claimed that the silence, indifference and inaction of the Germans made them complicit in the arrests, persecution and murder of millions of people by the Nazis. I want to encourage you not to be silent, not to be inactive and not to show indifference. Protect the believers, we have done nothing illegal!"

In the courtroom

Alexander Kruglyakov's concluding remarks in Syktyvkar

February 26, 2025

In her final statement, the 72-year-old pensioner pointed out that "the entire logic of the accusation is based on a fictitious thesis." She stressed: "I had no criminal intent, on the contrary, I have good goals to show people God's intentions for the future."

Final statement

Defendant Lidiya Nekrasova's concluding remarks in Syktyvkar

February 25, 2025

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area

Unjust Verdicts

Terms to be Upheld. In Khanty-Mansiysk, Appeal Hearings in the Case of Eighteen Jehovah's Witnesses From Surgut Have Ended

February 25, 2025

The defendant testifies: "I do not confirm the testimony of A. N. Minin, a so-called specialist who is a teacher of history in a church school, that Jehovah's Witnesses, by refusing to participate in the elections... are against the state and are dangerous citizens of our country. The Constitution…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Skudaev in Kurgan

February 25, 2025

The defense petitions for the exclusion of a comprehensive psychological, linguistic, religious and author's examination from the case materials in connection with violations of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The case of Penskaya in Vyselki

February 25, 2025

The defendant explains in detail to the court why the testimony of the witness Rosenblit should be critical. The latter, feigning an interest in the Bible, met with Tokhtaev several times to discuss this book via video-conferencing, initiating these conversations. Rosenblit, among other things,…

Closing arguments for the defense

The Case of Tokhtaev in Poronaysk

February 24, 2025

Maksim Derendyaev is in correctional colony No. 1 in the Chuvas Republic. Aleksandr Kutin is in correctional colony No. 3 in the Republic of Mari El.

Life in prison

The Case of Derendyaev and Others in Izhevsk

February 24, 2025

The believer drew attention to the peaceful nature of the services of Jehovah's Witnesses. He said, "Through my faith, I have become a good person and citizen, a loving husband, a grateful son, a caring brother and uncle, and a reliable friend."

Final statement

Defendant Aleksey Ovchar's closing statement in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

February 24, 2025

The defendant testifies. Among other things, he draws the court's attention to the fact that the psychological and religious examination did not reveal in his words any propaganda of exclusivity, superiority, inferiority of a person on the basis of sex, race, nationality, language, origin, attitude…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Khamatshin in Chelyabinsk

February 24, 2025

Judge Aleksey Koryakin announces that the trial will be held behind closed doors. The prosecutor begins to announce the indictment.

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Khorikov and Others in Surgut

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area

February 24, 2025

"I have not done anything harmful or dangerous either against the state or against people. If I had not been one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I would not be on trial now." Aleksey Ovchar makes his last speech in court.

Final statement

The Case of Ovchar in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy

February 24, 2025

The court commutes the preventive measure for Leonid Pyzhov and Sergey Rygaev to a ban on certain actions.

Prohibition of certain actions

The Case of Rygaev and Pyzhov in Omsk

Omsk Region

February 21, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court in Cherkessk Sentenced 37-year-old Jehovah's Witness to a Long Term in a Penal Colony

February 21, 2025

The case goes to the Birobidzhan District Court and is referred to Judge Natalia Shibanova for consideration.

Case went to court

Case of Krushevskiy and Artamonov in Birobidzhan

February 21, 2025

The defendants again petition for the declassification of the identity of witness Semyonova, because the witness herself during interrogation in court confirmed that there were no threats, violence or other actions against her that would cause reasonable fears about security. Moreover, interrogation…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Neverov and Others in Saransk

Mordovia

February 21, 2025

Lyudmila Shchekoldina still works in the sewing workshop: she sews accessories to clothes. The working day lasts from 08:30 to 16:30. The medical unit of the colony gives Lyudmila all the medicines she needs. She also receives parcels. For several weeks now, the believer has not received paper…

Life in prison

Case of Shchekoldina in Pavlovskaya

February 21, 2025

For several weeks now, Yuriy Gerashchenko has been working as an adjuster of sewing equipment. In general, he likes this kind of work. In addition, the believer wants to apply to be trained in a new profession (there are two options available in the colony: a sewing master and a crane operator).…

Life in prison

The Case of Parfenovich and Gerashchenko in Krasnogvardeyskoye

February 20, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Court in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Again Found Married Couple of Jehovah's Witnesses Guilty of Extremism and Toughened Their Punishment

February 20, 2025

Unjust Verdicts

Aleksandr Kabanov from Zelenogorsk Again Given a 2-Year Suspended Sentence for His Faith

Krasnoyarsk Territory

February 20, 2025

The prosecutor speaks during the debate and requests that the believers be punished with fines. He asks Alexander Kruglyakov to be assigned 550 thousand rubles, reducing the amount to be paid to 250 thousand, taking into account the time spent in the pre-trial detention center, and Andrey Kharlamov…

Prosecutor requested punishment

Case of Kruglyakov and Others in Syktyvkar

February 20, 2025

During the interrogation, Vladlena Kukavitsa refutes the arguments of the prosecution and states that the investigation attributed the wrong motives to her. For example, the prosecution claims that in 2004 Vladlena Kukavica became a member of the legal entity of Jehovah's Witnesses. However, this is…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

Case of Kukavitsa in Birobidzhan

February 20, 2025

Interrogation of the secret witness Semyonova. The defense files a motion to declassify it. The defense lawyer, addressing the court, says: "This is not the first time I have participated in this kind of cases and I draw attention to the fact that this is really the most harmless confession that…

Secret witness

Case of Neverov and Others in Saransk

Mordovia

February 20, 2025

Yaroslav Kalin works in the colony as an electrician. The Bible he had brought with him was returned to him. The believer notes difficulties with receiving and sending correspondence: not all letters arrive.

Life in prison

The Case of Martynov and Others in Irkutsk

Irkutsk Region

February 20, 2025

The defendant testifies. He gives an example to the court: "If plumbers worked for an organization that was recognized as extremist and liquidated, and then continued to work as plumbers elsewhere, or united as a team and began to work together, then can they be accused of continuing the activities…

Hearing in a court of the first instance

The Case of Sveshnikov in Kovrov

February 20, 2025

The prosecutor asks for a sentence of 8 years in a general regime colony.

Prosecutor requested punishment

The Case of Tsikunov in Kaltan

February 20, 2025

During his detention in the pre-trial detention center, Sergey Zhigalov has already been transferred to different cells three times. Recently, he has been kept in a special unit and put on the preventive register as a "person inclined to extremism." The believer is in a double cell, together with a…

Detention center

The Case of Zhigalov and Kudinov in Sevastopol

February 20, 2025

Dmitriy has been held in pre-trial detention center No. 1 in the Kostroma region since August 2024, and during this time he has been transferred to different cells more than ten times. He is currently being held in a cell with two other prisoners, with whom he has good relations.

Detention center

The Second Case of Terebilov in Kostroma

Kostroma Region

February 19, 2025

Referee: Artem Ozhev. Kovrov City Court of Vladimir Region (21 Shchorsa Street, Kovrov). Time: 15:00.

Prosecutor requested punishment

Case of Sakun in Kovrov

February 19, 2025

"I have been under arrest for quite a long time – almost a year and a half. This affects my physical and emotional health," Aleksandr Davydenko makes his final statement.

Final statement

The Case of Davydenko in Pavlovskaya