The last word of the defendant Lyubov Ovchinnikova in Knyaz-Volokonsky

 RUSSIA

The last word of the defendant Lyubov Ovchinnikova in Knyaz-Volokonsky

August 1 , 2023

Khabarovsk Territory

Lyubov told the court about her peaceful Christian lifestyle and shares how faith helped to cope with adversity: "The hope from [the Bible] gave me the strength to survive the unexpected death of my husband, then the death of my 21-year-old son." She adds: "I am not ashamed of my faith, although it is because of it that I am judged."

Transcript of the court session in the Khabarovsk District Court of the Khabarovsk Territory dated 01.08.2023 in the case 1-215/2023 on charges of Ovchinnikova Lyubov Lukichna and others. in committing a crime under Parts 1.1 and 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Ovchinnikova Lyubov Lukichna:

In my last word, I would like to thank all the participants in the process for the calm, peaceful atmosphere at all meetings. For me, these days and months of court hearings were disturbing, sometimes with tears in my eyes, but I am very grateful to my loyal friends for their support.

I want to say that despite the criminal prosecution against me, I believe that we are living in an amazing time. Biblical prophecies are coming true before our eyes, and it is a great honor for me to see and understand them. One of the prophecies is that the true followers of Jesus Christ will be persecuted not for any crimes, but for their faith in God. And this is happening to me now. The prosecutor asks to find me guilty for talking to Citizen Martin about the Bible. But is that a crime?

The Bible is a unique, living book. In the Middle Ages, inquisitors burned it. During Soviet times, those who found the Bible were sent to gulags by KGB officers. But it seemed to me that those times had passed and that now, according to the law, one can not only have and read the Bible, but also discuss it with other people.

Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is "inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that every person is prepared for every good deed." And I have seen with my own eyes more than once how the knowledge of biblical truths changes people for the better: as a drunkard, he becomes hardworking and caring, as aggressive and unrestrained — peaceful and loving. The laws and principles of the Bible help to lead a truly rich and meaningful life. Is it possible to be persecuted for discussing such a book?

I am accused and tried for sharing with FSB agent Martin what is written in the Bible. But as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am fulfilling his task: "Go and teach all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19,20). Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians who obediently follow their teacher, Jesus Christ. Interestingly, he himself was also accused of what we are accused of. Jesus explained to people the truth about God, his Father, and denounced non-biblical teachings. For example, in Matthew 7:13, he showed that humanity has only two paths. One path is wide and most people follow it, but it leads to destruction. And the other way is narrow, which leads to life. Using this example, he explained that the truth requires care and effort. After all, to be pleasing to God, you need to work on yourself, get rid of bad habits, do good. And this is exactly what we talked about with Citizen Martin.

But for some reason our conversations were called extremism and equated to calls for violence, hatred of people of another religion. But in fact, for me as a Jehovah's Witness, this is unthinkable. On the contrary, I strive for peace with all people. This is what the Bible encourages me to do. I have never participated in riots, strikes against the authorities and actions against other religious denominations. But despite this, I am unreasonably accused of a crime against the foundations of the constitutional system.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, teaches me to develop such qualities as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, virtue, meekness, self-control. How can people with such qualities be harmful to society?

I am not ashamed of my faith, although it is because of it that I am judged. My faith helps me to remain a good citizen. Wherever I have worked, I have always had excellent relationships with colleagues. I still communicate with many people.

My faith is based on hard evidence. And I am convinced that the earth will definitely become a paradise home for all people living on earth, because all the prophecies recorded in the Bible have come true and are coming true.

It is an indisputable fact, but everyone wants to live as long as possible and at the same time have good health, not grow old, not die. And we want to relax in picturesque places, and to be surrounded by kind, honest people. All this is confirmed by the words from the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:28, which tells how God blessed the first human couple and gave them the task of filling the earth and owning the earth and everything on it. The Bible also says that we are created in the image of a happy God, and it is quite natural that we all want to be happy.

This is the initial knowledge of the truth that we shared with Citizen Martin. And if Stanislav Martin did not understand this, then I am sincerely sorry. It is also a pity that FSB officers see this as a threat to the state.

If every person lived according to the Bible and observed at least such commandments as "do not kill", "do not steal", "do not do evil", then life would be much better, easier and more joyful today.

In my life, faith in God and reading the Bible help a lot. Hope from it gave me the strength to survive the unexpected death of my husband, then the death of my 21-year-old son from a serious illness.

I want the Bible to help other people cope with their hardships of life, and that's why I tell people what I learn from the Bible myself. And this right — to share my religious beliefs — is granted to me by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the main law of the country.

I want to assure the court that any evil is alien to me as a Jehovah's Witness and it is very unfair to accuse me of extremism, so I ask the court to find me innocent.

Summary of the case

Region:

Khabarovsk Krai

Locality:

Knyaz-Volkonskoe

What is suspected of:

"Collectively performed religious songs, prayers, which are a product in the structure of the world organization of Jehovah's Witnesses" (from the decision on bringing as an accused)

Criminal case number:

12202080023000024

Initiated:

May 26, 2022

The current stage of the case:

the appeal

is being investigated by:

SU IC for the Khabarovsk Territory and the EAO

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1.1), 282.2 (2)

Case number in court:

1-215/2023

Court of First Instance:

Khabarovsk District Court of Khabarovsk Krai

Judge of the Court of First instance:

Angelina Sviderskaya