In Tolyatti Sona Olopova One of Jehovah's Witnesses Was Released Early

Sona Olopova, 38, was released on parole and on July 7, 2025, left the correctional facility. She became the first Jehovah's Witness in Russia to have finished serving a sentence of forced labor.

The believer has been imprisoned since May 2024. During this time, she was placed in two correctional centers. She was assigned to various jobs: at first, Sona worked in the production of automotive parts, then she was transferred to ice cream production, and at the end of her term she was working in the correctional center itself.

According to Sona, she is is not used to factory work — before the criminal trial, she was working both in retail and beauty (make-up, hairstyling, etc.). "It was scary: I came to the workshop, and there were these huge rattling machines," she recalls. " "But after a while, I even liked it there."

Sona's hardworking attitude did not go unnoticed: she was awarded certificates for professionalism, initiative, enthusiasm, and integrity. In addition to the assigned work, the believer participated in volunteer workdays at the local center for patients with cerebral palsy. "Thank you for your open, kind and compassionate heart," the administration wrote in a letter of appreciation.

Although forced labor is a more lenient punishment than imprisonment, it is fraught with various difficulties. Sona says: "Different living conditions, knowing video cameras were everywhere, the lack of personal space, stress... I was worried about violating any of the regulations. And the most difficult thing was being separated from my husband."

According to Sona, the staff and inmates of the correctional center, colleagues at the workplace, and even some experts who worked with her as a convicted person were sincerely indignant when they learned that she had been sentenced for her faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. "Many people know the Witnesses personally. Most of those I met understood that faith is an inherent human right and you should not be tried for it," Sona said. "The other inmates saw my good attitude towards people and my conscientious work; they also understood that I was behind bars for nothing, and treated me very well."

Throughout the criminal prosecution, Olopova's family and friends supported her: "Many friends took care of me but especially the attention of one family moved me to tears. They are almost the same age as my parents. This couple has done so much that they have become like second parents to me." She also warmly recalls how her father regularly brought fresh food, which she shared with other convicted women. "Whenever they learned about his next visit, they would say: "Oh, tomorrow our dad is coming," Sona said.

Olopova is one of the few believers who was granted parole. Her husband, Anatoliy, spoke about his impressions after the court decision: "Sona and I were in a stupor at first, we did not expect it. After the searches, our world changed, there were many court hearings, I was very nervous. And then this positive decision! I saw how Jehovah's hand is not short."

In Tolyatti, three more female Jehovah's Witnesses have been convicted for their beliefs. They are serving suspended sentences.