Biography
Aleksey Dmitriyev, a former participant in hostilities in Afghanistan, who has state awards, was convinced from his own experience of the value of human life. Now, instead of a weapon, he has the Bible in his hands—in 1995 he became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. However, 30 years later, because of his peaceful beliefs, the believer faced criminal prosecution—he was imprisoned in a pre-trial detention center, and a few months later the court sent him to a penal colony for 4 years.
Aleksey was born in the Khabarovsk Territory. In his youth, he was fond of music and played the electric guitar in a rock band. In the late 1980s, he served in the army, then settled in Adygea. The young man received the profession of an electric and gas welder and worked in his specialty. Over time, he was awarded the highest qualification category and was repeatedly awarded various awards for many years of conscientious work. Before his arrest, Aleksey was engaged in entrepreneurial activities—he owned a small clothing store.
Aleksey met his future wife Svetlana in 2004, and about a year later they got married and have been living in Adygeysk ever since. Svetlana shares her husband's religious views. Aleksey loves to do household chores, cook, and have picnics with barbecue. The couple enjoys chatting with friends and traveling. People around note Aleksey's sense of humor.
According to relatives, the criminal prosecution became a sad stage of life for the Dmitriyevs, but they accepted it with courage. For Aleksey's 90-year-old mother, whom he took care of before her arrest, what was happening was also a shock: during the search, the woman suffered a hypertensive crisis, and later her chronic illnesses worsened.
In court, the believer emphasized: "My indictment states that there are no victims. But this is not true. My dear wife, my elderly mother, our loved ones and I suffered. Due to the stress and other consequences caused by my detention, detention, and criminal prosecution, my family and I suffered moral and physical harm."
Neighbors and colleagues speak of Dmitriyev as a friendly person who is always ready to help.