Case History
In February 2019, after a series of searches in Surgut, accompanied by torture and beatings, Yevgeniy Kozak became a defendant in a criminal case for his faith. He was accused of participating in the activities of an extremist organization and its financing. Later, as part of the criminal case, law enforcement officers conducted several more searches in the homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The case of Kozak and the case of 18 other believers were separated into separate proceedings. In July 2023, Valentina Alekseeva and Kirill Severinchik were also prosecuted under the article on participation in the activities of an extremist organization, and Yuriy and Roman Khorikov were accused of organizing and financing its activities. In February 2025, the case went to court, the hearings are being held behind closed doors.