Andrey Murych's last word in Balakovo

 Russia

Andrey Murych's last word in Balakovo

November 15, 2023

Saratov region

Comparing the trial of Jesus Christ with the trials of his modern followers, the defendant noted: "Many powerful rulers wanted Jehovah's Witnesses to be silenced, but God's work cannot be stopped."

Transcript of the court session in the Balakovsky district Court of the Saratov region dated 11/15/2023 in the case 1-371/2023 on charges of Murych Andrey Yuryevich and others. of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Murych Andrey Yurievich:

Dear participants in the trial! At the beginning of my last word, I want to thank everyone for listening to us during these five months of litigation. Thank you, Your Honor, for trying to figure out our criminal case. Thanks to the prosecutor for the fact that, having the task of accusing us, he did not exert pressure. Thanks to the secretary for his work, professionalism, for listening attentively to everyone and clearly keeping the minutes of the court session.

I would like to thank my wife Anastasia separately. During this difficult period of my life, she was a huge support for me. In the Biblical book of Proverbs, chapter 31, verse 10, it says: "Who will find a good wife? It is much more valuable than corals." This description is very suitable for my wife!

For almost two years of investigating our criminal case, I have experienced different feelings — indignation, despondency, fear due to uncertainty about the future. But now I feel joy. The joy is not from the fact that I am in danger of a real prison sentence, but from the fact that thanks to this judicial investigation, the name of Jehovah has been sanctified; my faith and the faith of my family have been strengthened; we have learned to rely on God even better. I met many people who became my friends, because in the 10 months that I was in jail, I received more than 1,700 letters from all over the world! This is a truly unforgettable period!

In 2008, I read a lot about the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Soviet Union, and I felt very sorry for those who faced political repression. But at the same time, I was very proud that they were all my spiritual brothers and sisters who, no matter what, remain faithful to Jehovah. And they set a great example for me in how to stay resilient in the test.

But, of course, the most important example of perseverance for me is Jesus Christ. He once said, "A slave is no bigger than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too." These words are recorded in the Gospel of John 15:20. Therefore, when they came to my house with a search, and I found out that a criminal case had been opened against me, it was not a surprise. I understood that, on the one hand, I was not doing anything illegal, but on the other, I saw that despite the repeated explanations of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation that any person who considers himself a Jehovah's Witness has the right to profess his religion alone or jointly with others, searches, arrests, defendants are taking place in Russia they give real prison sentences.

If we go back to the example of Jesus, the trial that took place over him in the first century is considered the most monstrous crime in the history of jurisprudence. He grossly violated all the provisions of Jewish law and the principles of justice in general. What did I bring this example from the first century to? That trial is very similar to the modern trials of Jehovah's Witnesses, including ours. From the very beginning, our rights are violated, which are protected by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation and universal norms of justice. As we have stated more than once, everything we did to worship the God Jehovah did not violate Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. There was also no reason to keep us in jail for 10 months. Even those who know us and are not Jehovah's Witnesses are surprised at the persecution by the authorities.

But, as in the case of Jesus, the trials faced by the servants of God are not only associated with difficulties, but also with blessings. According to the Bible, thanks to the death of Christ, millions of believers have hope for eternal life. In our case, thanks to this criminal case, a lot of people found out about Jehovah's Witnesses. For example, our cellmates in the pre-trial detention center and employees of this institution. My colleagues have more questions about my faith.

In the first century, the judges of Jesus Christ could hardly have imagined that people all over the world would know about their criminal decision, even after 2000 years. And although Jesus was executed as one of the most dangerous criminals, no one considers him such today. And how will our criminal trial be remembered years later? Will they talk about us as those who suffered because of religious intolerance? Or will this court be remembered as the one that defended the right of believers to worship the Most High God Jehovah? A lot depends on you, Your Honor.

In Romans 2:14, 15, the apostle Paul wrote that any person, regardless of whether he is a believer or not, has a conscience that can either condemn or justify. For my part, I want to say that my conscience is clear. I have not broken any law, neither against God nor against the state. No one was hurt because of my actions. I have never called for violence against anyone and have not been involved in any extremist actions. Extremism and worship of Jehovah are actions that have nothing to do with each other. I, like all Jehovah's Witnesses, try to live by the principle set forth in Matthew 22:37-39: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment; the second is similar to it: love your neighbor as yourself." It is impossible to show love for God and others and to be involved in acts of violence.

Whatever decision is made, I am sure that in due time Jehovah will put everything in its place. No one who trusted Jehovah one hundred percent has ever been disappointed. Many powerful rulers wanted Jehovah's Witnesses to be silenced, but God's work cannot be stopped.

Summary of the case

Region:

Saratov region

Locality:

Balakovo

What is suspected of:

According to the investigation, "they resumed and organized the activities of the local religious unit [Jehovah's Witnesses] on the territory of Balakovo, expressed in convening meetings, carrying out preaching activities, ... collecting funds under the guise of donations"

Criminal case number:

12207630001000004

Initiated:

February 11, 2022

The current stage of the case:

The appeal

is being investigated by:

The Federal Security Service of Russia for the Saratov Region

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1)

Case number in court:

1-371/2023

Court of first instance:

Balakovsky District Court of Saratov region

Judge of the Court of First Instance:

Natalia Nikitinska