In Khabarovsk, the trial of a 52-year-old believer is coming to an end. He has been in jail for more than a year

On August 15, 2019, the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Khabarovsk completed the judicial investigation in the criminal case against local resident Valery Moskalenko. He faces up to 6 years in prison for the fact that in the spring of 2018, in the conference hall of the hotel, he, according to the investigation, talked with friends about faith in Jehovah God. On August 28, the debate will begin, during which the prosecution will request punishment for the believer.

The case is being heard by Judge Ivan Belykh, the investigation was conducted by the local FSB department. In December 2018, the lawyers sent the complaint "Moskalenko v. Russia" to the European Court of Human Rights with a request to consider it as a priority in accordance with the policy of the Strasbourg Court. The complaint draws attention to the violation by the Russian Federation of several articles of the European Convention at once, including Articles 9, 3, 8, 17 and/or 18 (considered alone or jointly with other articles).

The initiation of the case became known in August 2018. FSB and OMON officers invaded 6 houses of civilians in Khabarovsk, seized religious literature, mobile phones and other personal belongings of citizens. Among others, Valery Moskalenko was interrogated and taken into custody. He was accused of participating in worship services and "hymns reflecting the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses."

Valery Moskalenko is an assistant driver of an electric locomotive by profession. Before being placed in a pre-trial detention center, Valeriy lived with his elderly mother and provided her with daily care, which she desperately needs. When he was arrested, she became ill, she had to call an ambulance.