The last word of the defendant Irina Perefileva in Urup

Russia

The last word of the defendant Irina Perefileva in Urup

August 18 , 2023

Karachay-Cherkessia

In her appeal to the court, the believer expressed her firm belief that her beliefs are the only reason why she ended up in the dock: "I am not guilty, and my religious beliefs have nothing to do with extremism. My conscience is clear before the law, society and the state."

Transcript of the court session in the Urupsky District Court of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic of the village of Urup dated 08/18/2023 in the case 1-28/2023 (1-108/2022) on the charge of Irina Perefileva Alexandrovna of committing a crime under Part 1.1 and Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Perfilieva Irina Aleksandrovna:

I want to start my last word with words of gratitude to the court and all the participants in the process for the respectful attitude towards me and for the understanding shown to my mother: she was not greatly disturbed, because it was important, since she has poor health. Thank you for the time that was given to me to familiarize myself with the case materials. This played a big role, as it subsequently helped me throughout the trial.

Your Honor, thank you for listening to me and my lawyer, trying to get to the bottom of the matter. I want to publicly thank you for your patience, prudence and insight. I would like to thank the distinguished Public Prosecutor for his tact and respectful attitude. I would also like to thank my lawyer for his legal assistance and defense in court.

Dear court, dear participants in the trial, I want to officially declare once again that I am not guilty and my religious beliefs have nothing to do with extremism. My conscience is clear before the law, society and the state, because I have not committed the crime of which I am accused, and I have never wanted and do not want to harm people, the order established by law and the constitutional system.

I am convinced that I am in the dock not for a crime, but for my faith. But I do not regret it, because, having become a Jehovah's Witness, I have acquired something more: hope, enduring moral values, a kind attitude towards different people, an understanding of what qualities will make my life and the lives of people around me better.

I know that my last word should be relevant. I ask you to understand what I'm going to say now, because it's hard not to agree that a clear idea of what kind of person the defendant is is of considerable importance for the case. I won't take up much time and will try to be brief.

The prosecution claimed that in my actions I was guided by extremist motives, advocated the superiority of my co-religionists over other persons and negatively assessed the latter. During the consideration of the case, I did not understand what such a statement by the prosecution was based on. However, I know for sure that I am incapable of such a thing, and my life eloquently testifies to this.

By accepting the views for which I am judged, I got rid of profanity, short temper and resentment — all that violated the peace with other people. Instead, I began to develop patience and self-control. I was prompted to do this by the wisdom contained in such words: "The one who restrains the mouth and restrains the tongue protects himself from troubles", "Do not rush to be offended, because resentment lives in the hearts of fools", "As far as possible on your part, be at peace with everyone". Agree, such changes have nothing to do with extremist motives, pride and arrogance, but, on the contrary, promote peace.

The prosecution claimed that my [extremist] motives were allegedly expressed in calls to refuse medical intervention. It was surprising for me to hear this, since my motives have nothing to do with it. On the contrary, by changing my life in accordance with the beliefs for which I am accused, I realized how valuable my life and the life of each individual is. Understanding this began to work in my life. So, for example, after learning that God condemns smoking, which clogs the body, I parted with this habit without regret. I began to monitor my health, and it brought good results.

The prosecution claimed that I acted out of extremist beliefs, which were expressed in calls to break off kinship and family relations with persons who do not profess the religious teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. However, this has nothing to do with me. And here's why. Having become a believer, a Jehovah's Witness, I began to fully share the principle expressed by Jesus Christ: "Treat people the way you want them to treat you." I don't want anyone to bring discord into my family. For this reason, I do not bring discord into other people's families, instead I try to live honestly, quietly, peacefully, earn a living with my own hands and not interfere in other people's affairs.

The Bible teaches that a servant of God must respect state authorities. For Christians, it was written: "Every person must obey the highest authorities, because any authority is from God. The existing authorities occupy the places assigned to them by God. Therefore, the one who opposes the government is rebelling against the order established by God." That is, in fact, such a person goes against God, which is completely unacceptable for me, a believer.

Sharing biblical knowledge with people, I did not try to undermine the foundations of the constitutional system of our state, but tried to reach the hearts of people, to acquaint them with God, in whom I believe, with his wonderful qualities, with his plan for the earth and humanity — to give us hope for a happy future, eternal life on earth in heavenly conditions where there will be no pain and grief, old age, illness and even death.

And what is important, I have never told anyone that he should and must do something or not do something. This does not make any sense, since our sincere deeds out of love and from the bottom of our hearts are important to God. That was the case with [the woman I discussed the Bible with]. I didn't involve her anywhere and didn't force her to do anything. I tried to help her get rid of the effects of depression, gain self-esteem and improve her quality of life, strengthen her marriage.

During the criminal prosecution, I have not renounced my beliefs. I still believe in God Jehovah, I try to live by his commandments, treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of their attitude towards me.

How will my life change if I get a serious punishment? My mom will be left without someone to take care of her. Although my youngest son is already 18 years old, he still needs my love and parental guidance. My mom is getting worse. I don't think anyone can take better care of her than me.

During the meetings, we listened to recordings of meetings with a woman interested in the Bible. During the court sessions, I could not understand in what actions and words during these meetings manifestations of extremism on my part were expressed? I have never heard the words and expressions in which I would encourage violence, separation, discord, not to communicate with relatives, to leave the family and so on.

Your Honor, I ask you to make a fair decision and take into account that I have a sick mother who is 85 years old, as well as two dependent children. The senior does not work, is registered at the employment center. The youngest son is a 3rd-year full-time student of a technical school. They desperately need my care and love. My mom needs daily care.

Please note that there is no injured party in the criminal case, there is no damage, there is no plaintiff. Please note that I have not been convicted before, I have a reputation as an honest, peaceful and respectable person.

Dear Court, Your Honor! I ask you to find me innocent, pass an acquittal and recognize my right to rehabilitation.

Case summary

Region:

Karachay-Cherkessia

Locality:

Mednogorsky

What is suspected:

according to investigators, she "shared the goals and objectives" of a local religious organization, and also "voluntarily participated in its activities"

Criminal case number:

12102910004000086

Initiated:

November 22, 2021

Current stage of the case:

Proceedings in the court of first instance

Investigates:

Zelenchuk interdistrict Investigative Department of the SU IC of the Russian Federation in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1.1), 282.2 (2)

Case number in court:

1-28/2023 (1-108/2022)

Court of First Instance:

Urupsky District Court of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Judge of the Court of First instance:

Ida Uzdenova