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 RUSSIA The case of Yuliya Pasynkova in Mednogorskiy Pasynkova Yuliya Name: Pasynkova Yuliya Gennadiyevna Date of Birth: December 5, 1990 Current status: suspect Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (2) Biography Yuliya Pasynkova faced persecution in the summer of 2024, when criminal cases were opened against her and her mother-in-law, Tatyana. Yuliya's husband, Aleksey, was under investigation because of his beliefs back in December 2022. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the couple are raising a son with a disability, who needs round-the-clock help. Yuliya was born in December 1990 in the city of Abdulino, Orenburg Region. Her father worked as an electric locomotive driver for 35 years. He tragically died in 2021. Mother was educated as a seamstress but worked in various fields. Yuliya has an elder sister who also has a child with a disability. In her youth, Yuliya studied at a music school and went in for cross-country skiing. She still loves music.

 RUSSIA  The case of Tatiana Pasynkova in Mednogorsk Pasynkova Tatyana Name: Pasynkova Tatyana Vasiliyevna Date of Birth: January 15, 1965 Current status: suspect Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (2) Biography Left alone with three children in the difficult 1990s, Tatyana Pasynkova found solace in her Bible study. Thanks to this, she was able to maintain a positive outlook on life despite all the troubles. The pensioner's usual way of life was violated by a search in her house and subsequent criminal prosecution because of her faith. Tatyana was born in January 1965 in the village of Kardonikskaya (Karachay-Cherkessia). She has an elder brother and a sister. Their parents worked all their lives on the local collective farm. As a child, Tatyana attended various clubs: embroidery, knitting, wood burning, and also danced and played in the school basketball team. Tatyana graduated from the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after Timiryazev with a degree in agronom

 RUSSIA  The last word of the defendant Alexander Akopov in Neftekumsk March 31, 2022 Stavropol Territory From the courtroom In his last word, the believer spoke about the Bible teachings that were valuable to him: "I believe that my religious views help me become a good and kind person. It was nice to see how the attitude towards me changed from those who at first spoke unflatteringly about Jehovah's Witnesses." Transcript of the court session in the Neftekumsky District Court of the Stavropol Territory dated 03/31/2022 in the case 1-46/2021 on the charges of Alexander Andreevich Akopov and others. of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 and Part 1 of Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Alexander A. Akopov: I want to start my last word with gratitude. Your Honor, thank you for treating us without prejudice, always listening carefully and not forbidding us to speak words in our defense. Thank you for patiently explaining our rights to

 RUSSIA  Case of Semenov in Cherkessk Semenov Yevgeniy Name: Semenov Yevgeniy Konstantinovich Date of Birth: December 13, 1987 Current status: defendant Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (1), 282.2 (1.1), 282.2 (2) Time spent in prison: 399 day in a pre-trial detention Current restrictions: detention center Currently held in: Detention Center No.1 for Karachayevo-Circassian Republic Address for correspondence: Semenov Yevgeniy Konstantinovich, born 1987, SIZO No.1 for Karachayevo-Circassian Republic, Ul. Pervomayskaya, 1, Cherkessk, Karachayevo-Circassian Republic, 369000 Letters of support can be sent by regular mail or through the «zonatelecom». Note: discussing topics related to criminal prosecution is not allowed in letters; languages other than Russian will not pass. Biography At one time, studying the Bible helped Yevgeniy Semenov to change his life for the better. But in 2023, he was prosecuted for his peaceful beliefs and faith in God. Yevgeniy was born in

 RUSSIA  The last word of the defendant Sergei Belousov in Seversk April 13, 2022 Tomsk region From the courtroom In his speech, Belousov stressed that he was being judged for his faith, and called it a gross mistake. Concluding his speech, he said: "I believe in God and remain a Jehovah's Witness, but I am not an extremist and have never been one." Transcript of the court session in the Seversky City Court of the Tomsk region dated 04/13/2022 in the case 1-9/2022 (1-255/2021) on the accusation of Belousov Sergei Yuryevich of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Sergey Yuryevich Belousov: Dear court, dear participants in the process! Before I say my last word, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this process and supported me and my family. Thank you, Your Honor, for the attention, respect and tact shown to me and my family. Thank you for allowing us to be with the family at all meetings. You listen

 RUSSIA  In Udmurtia, The Sentence of Three Jehovah's Witnesses from Izhevsk Came into Force: After the Decision of the Appeal, The Believers Will Go to the Colony October 2, 2024 Udmurtia On October 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of Udmurtia upheld the conviction of Maksim Derendyaev, Aleksandr Kutin and Sergey Ashikhmin. Each of them was sentenced to three years in penal colony on charges of organizing the activities of an extremist organization. The hearing was attended by 18 people, including believers' relatives. The three men filed appeals against the verdict of the court of first instance while in jail — they were taken into custody in the courtroom immediately after the verdict was announced in May 2024. They plead innocent. Sergey Ashikhmin noted in his appeal: "The verdict is illegal, since I am being persecuted and punished only for being a Christian -- Jehovah's Witness, practicing my religion in non-prohibited ways." Andrey Kutin stated: "The verdict