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Illustrative photo

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Actions of Law Enforcement Officers

Chuvashia became a 58th region where Jehovah's Witnesses were searched and detained for their faith

Chuvashia

On 27 November 2020, law enforcers searched at least 3 civilians in Cheboksary and Novocheboksarsk. A 40-year-old believer was detained for questioning and later released. Criminal proceedings were instituted against another man, 57-year-old Vladimir Dutkin for his beliefs.

A series of searches began in the morning. The formal basis for the special operations was the criminal case opened on 25 November 2020 against Vladimir Dutkin, a resident of Cheboksary. He was accused of organization of extremist activity (part 1 of article 282.2 of the RF Criminal Code). Electronic devices and personal records were seized from believers.

Chuvash Republic became the 58th region of Russia, where the authorities prosecute Jehovah's Witnesses, despite the fact that the Supreme Court did not prohibit believers from practicing their religion.

The news is being supplemented.

The case of Dutkin and Others in Cheboksary

Case History
In November 2020, insurance agent Vladimir Dutkin was searched. Two days earlier, FSB investigator Mukhin opened a criminal case against him under an extremist article, and they took a written undertaking not to leave the place. In June 2021, Valery Yakovlev and Vladimir Chesnokov became new defendants in the case. They were accused of meeting with fellow believers in rented premises, discussing religion and drinking tea. In July 2021, the case went to court. Independent examinations refuted the accusations and found that the believers “called for honesty, restraint, and patience in relation to dissidents.” Six months later, the prosecutor requested from 6 to 6.5 years in prison for believers. In February 2022, the judge sentenced the believers to a fine: Vladimir Dutkin — 500 thousand rubles, the rest — 400 thousand rubles each. In April 2022, this sentence was upheld by the Court of Appeal. In August 2022, the Court of Cassation upheld the verdict and decision of the appellate instance.
Timeline

Persons in case

Chesnokov
Vladimir
Dutkin
Vladimir
Yakovlev
Valeriy

Criminal case

Region:
Chuvashia
Locality:
Cheboksary
Suspected of:
According to the investigation, "realizing the illegality of their actions ... organized and conducted meetings (meetings) of the religious group of Jehovah's Witnesses in Cheboksary in specially rented premises, fenced with a solid high fence with a separate entrance, excluding any visual and voice contacts with unauthorized persons, under the guise of friendly meetings, tea parties, barbecue cooking
Court case number:
12007970001000045
Initiated:
November 25, 2020
Current case stage:
the verdict entered into force
Investigating:
Investigative Department of the FSB Directorate of Russia for the Chuvash Republic
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation:
282.2 (1)
Court case number:
1-2/2022 (1-347/2021)
Court of First Instance:
Kalininskiy District Court of the City of Cheboksary of the Chuvash Republic
Judge:
Sergey Orlov
Case History
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