Searches and a Criminal Case for Faith in Severodvinsk

On March 13, 2019, in Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk region), searches were carried out in at least 7 homes of citizens who are suspected of practicing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. A criminal case has been initiated under the article "organization of the activities of an extremist organization". 61-year-old Vladimir Teterin and 37-year-old Sergey Potylitsyn were involved in the case as suspects. Vladimir Teterin signed a recognizance not to leave.

The searches were carried out by FSB investigators P. Yuriev, I. Kozodubov, I. Mironov and others. About 20 conscripts were involved as witnesses. The searches were authorized by the Severodvinsk City Court. Some of the believers were taken to Arkhangelsk, where they were interrogated at the FSB Directorate at 54 Troitsky Prospekt. After interrogations, which lasted until late at night, everyone was released.

Earlier, on February 18, 2019, 39-year-old Yevgeny Yakku was arrested in Arkhangelsk on a similar charge. Later, the court chose a preventive measure for him in the form of a ban on certain actions.