Five Brothers Convicted by Russian Court in Saratov Region

 RUSSIA


Five Brothers Convicted by Russian Court in Saratov Region

November 29, 2023


On November 23, 2023, the Balakovskiy District Court of the Saratov Region announced its verdict in the case involving Brothers Aleksey Bogatov, Yevgeniy Fomashin, Vladimir Mavrin, Andrey Murych, and Sergey Tyurin. All five brothers were convicted. Aleksey and Vladimir each received a suspended prison sentence of six years. Andrey, Sergey, and Yevgeniy were each fined 300,000 rubles ($3,362 U.S.). None of the brothers are required to go to prison at this time.


Profiles


Aleksey Bogatov

Born: 1960 (Baklushi, Ulyanovsk Region)


Biography: Worked as an ambulance driver


Married Lyubov in 1982. Raised three sons


Studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses helped him to understand how God’s Kingdom would bring about justice for all mankind. Baptized in 1994


Personal Comments

How did you feel Jehovah’s support while you were in the pretrial detention center?


I did not have a Bible for the first month of my detention, but I did have a pen and a notebook. I prayed to Jehovah every day to help me remember scriptures. By the end of the month, I had recalled 112 verses. This was proof to me that if I read the Bible regularly and meditate, Jehovah uses his holy spirit to help me remember. I thanked Jehovah for his help.


Yevgeniy Fomashin

Born: 1977 (Balakovo)


Biography: Worked as an electrician


Took an interest in the Bible’s promise of peace and harmony on the earth. Baptized in 2013. Learned sign language to aid the deaf in his community


Personal Comments

How have the examples of brothers detained in the past affected you?


While I was in the detention center, I thought about how Brothers Konstantin Bazhenov, Aleksey Budenchuk, Gennadiy German, Roman Gridasov, Feliks Makhammadiyev, and Aleksey Miretskiy were detained in that very same building in 2018-2019. Their examples of faith strengthened me. And I continue to be encouraged by the many brothers and sisters around the world who are keeping their integrity despite various challenges. It feels as if we are all going through these trials side by side.


Vladimir Mavrin

Born: 1962 (Kamyshovka, Saratov Region)


Biography: Works in construction and interior finishing


Baptized in 1994


Widowed in 2004, leaving him to raise his teenage son alone. Married Irina in 2013


Personal Comments

What have you learned about Jehovah while going through this difficult experience?


I knew Jehovah’s promise found at Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” But I felt Jehovah’s care in a special way after my arrest and while in detention. He gave me calmness, peace, and strength in abundance. I also discovered that Jehovah always answers my prayers in the best way possible. Throughout this entire ordeal, I have never felt alone.


Andrey Murych

Born: 1991 (Balakovo)


Biography: Is a steelworker


First learned about the Bible from his grandmother. Amazed by fulfillment of Bible prophecies. Baptized in 2007


Married Anastasiya in 2009. They have a daughter


Personal Comments

What helped you to cope with the challenges of being in the detention center?


For me, the hardest part of pretrial detention was maintaining my joy, especially during the first two months. One thing that helped was thinking about how my attitude, even in that difficult situation, would show Jehovah whether I was grateful for all he had done for me. Maintaining my integrity with joy would be the best way to show that gratitude. I also became more convinced that with Jehovah’s help I can overcome anything. Jehovah can give me peace in any situation.


Sergey Tyurin

Born: 1994 (Balakovo)


Biography: Worked as an electrician


Introduced to the Bible by his grandmother. Became convinced that applying Bible principles was the key to having a successful life. Baptized in 2012


Married Yelizaveta in 2018


Personal Comments

What lessons have you learned from being persecuted for your faith?


I have learned three things. First, Jehovah is always there to support me. He sees what I need most, and he knows the best time to give it. Second, confidence in Jehovah’s promises is vital for me to maintain my inner peace. While persecution is never easy, it lasts for only a moment compared to the eternity of blessings ahead. Soon, I won’t even recall any of these hardships. And third, the unity that we have as a brotherhood is a treasure. It makes it so much easier to endure difficulties, and it must be protected.


The examples of these five faithful brothers are a reminder that we can endure adversity for the good news when we rely on the power of God.—2 Timothy 1:8.


Time Line

February 11, 2022


Criminal case initiated


March 23, 2022


FSB officers searched the homes of all five brothers. Each was interrogated and sent to a temporary detention center


March 25, 2022


Brothers placed in a pretrial detention center


January 23, 2023


Brothers released from custody and placed under travel restrictions


July 21, 2023


Criminal trial began


November 23, 2023


Convicteds


In the photo: Top row, left to right: Brothers Aleksey Bogatov, Yevgeniy Fomashin, and Vladimir Mavrin.

Bottom row, left to right: Brothers Andrey Murych and Sergey Tyurin

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