Name: Vakarev Zakhar Aleksandrovich
Date of Birth: August 18, 2002
Current status: accused
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (2)
Current restrictions: recognizance agreement

Biography

Zakhar Vakarev was born in August 2002 in the small Siberian town of Uyar (Krasnoyarsk Territory) into a family of doctors. During his school years, he played volleyball and took part in sports events. He was also interested in computers and information technology. This interest influenced his choice of work: after finishing school, he trained as a programmer and found a job in that field. In his free time, Zakhar enjoys enduro motorcycling.

Zakhar’s parents played an important role in shaping his views — from childhood they discussed Bible accounts with him. Over time, Zakhar became convinced that Bible principles help him make wise decisions in life. In 2019, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The Vakarev family’s usual way of life was disrupted in February 2026, when father and son became defendants in a criminal case because of their faith.

Case History

In October 2025, employees of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation initiated a criminal case against residents of the city of Uyar, Viktor Kononov and Aflatun Safarov. Searches of their homes were conducted, after which the court remanded the elderly men in custody. In February 2026, Sergey Soroka, Aleksandr and Zakhar Vakarev, and Ivan Starikov were detained; Ivan Starikov was placed in a pretrial detention center. The investigation interpreted the holding of peaceful meetings for worship as organizing the activity of an extremist organization and participating in it. In the spring of 2026, the court decided to transfer Ivan Starikov and Aflatun Safarov to house arrest.
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