Biography
Law enforcement agencies accused Stepan Shevelev, a peaceful believer from Norilsk, of "taking part in the discussion of literature and videos of a religious nature," as well as praying. The authorities regarded this as organizing extremist activities.
Stepan was born in September 1982 in the village of Maslyanino (Novosibirsk region). When the boy was 2, the family decided to move to Norilsk. In 1986, Stepan's younger sister was born.
Since childhood, Stepan had many friends. He was fond of tourism, reading books, board games. After school, he graduated from college, received the profession of "cable-solder". After graduation, he worked in his specialty.
In 1996, my mother became interested in the Bible. But later, only Stepan continued the study of the Holy Scriptures. According to him, he realized that "the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses do not contradict the Bible." Moreover, he saw how the Bible changes people's lives for the better. Stepan became a Christian in 2001, when he was 18.
Stepan got married in December 2013. His wife Oksana is an English language teacher. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball and, like Stepan, reading, traveling and playing video games with him. Since childhood, her mother instilled in her respect for the Bible. Oksana always empathized with people and wanted to help them, dreamed of becoming a doctor. When she learned from the Bible that suffering would come to an end, she joyfully began to share that hope with others.
Stepan says: "The criminal case only strengthened the faith." The family sees support and care from fellow believers.
Although Stepan's parents and sister do not share his beliefs, they have a good relationship. Stepan said that employees at work and relatives do not understand why such accusations were made against him. "They never noticed any signs of extremism in my behavior. We are ready to support if necessary," Stepan shared.