The last word of the defendant Artur Severinchik in Surgut.

 RUSSIA 

 

The last word of the defendant Artur Severinchik in Surgut.

November 10, 2023

Khanty-Mansiysk JSC


In his last word, the believer stated that he did not consider himself guilty. He also noted the benefits of applying biblical principles: "The Bible has brought my family together. It was the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses that helped me save my marriage."


Transcript of the court session in the Surgut City Court dated 11/10/2023 in the case № 1-27/2023 (1-130/2022; 1-1348/2021) on the accusation of Severinchik Artur Vasilyevich and others. of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.


Severinchik Artur Vasilyevich:


I, Artur Vasilyevich Severinchik, do not consider myself guilty of the charge against me under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.


I am accused of extremism after communicating with citizen A. E. Mironov, in a conversation with whom I talked about how important it is to live according to the Bible, while I quoted verses from the Bible. I don't see any signs of extremism in this communication. This is also indicated by Article 3.1 of Federal Law No. 114-FZ of 07/25/2002 (as amended. dated 07/24/2007) "On countering extremist activities", according to which the Bible, its contents and quotations from it cannot be recognized as extremist materials.


The accusation falsely claims that I used prayer to exert a psychological influence on A. E. Mironov. In fact, prayer is a conversation with God. When I pray, I follow the commandment from the Bible — "pray unceasingly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and do not try to exert a psychological influence on anyone. Faith is a personal choice of every person. I have no right to force or compel a person to change his faith. God loves all people, both good and evil, because these are his creations. He gives everyone time to improve and does not want anyone to die.


I consider myself a Jehovah's Witness. These are religious people who do not take up arms, do not learn to fight and do not teach hostility. Jesus himself said to his disciple, "Return your sword to its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). I agree with this religious teaching. I consider my faith to be true. This is my choice and my decision. Jehovah's Witnesses base their faith on love for all people, and there can be no extremism in this. My peaceful conversation about God, without calls for violence, insults and humiliation, cannot have a public danger.


The charge states that Jehovah's Witnesses destroy families. I want to tell you about my family. It was the Bible that brought my family together. It was the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses that helped me save my marriage. Although at the beginning of our life together we wanted to get divorced, but after learning the truth about God, we changed our minds and strengthened our relationship. After that, we had three more children, and our family is getting stronger every year.


The Bible says that a husband should love his wife as himself (Ephesians 5:28). I try to apply this principle, and not only that. Also, the law of God says that we treat all people with love and do not repay evil to anyone, but, on the contrary, respond to evil with good. This principle helps me to be at peace with all people (Romans 12:18).


I want to say that in my actions I do not see signs of a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Remaining a believer, I do not consider myself guilty and ask the respected court to acquit me and my co-religionists.


Summary of the case


Region:

Khanty-Mansiysk JSC

Locality:

Surgut

What is suspected:

"He made speeches, participated in a preaching service with local "Jehovah's witnesses", held meetings with "pioneers", "elders" and "service assistants", including for the purpose of organizing the activities of "elders" in the "assembly""Take-off"".

Criminal case number:

42002007709000023

Initiated:

February 11, 2019

Current stage of the case:

Proceedings in the court of first instance

Investigates:

SO in Surgut SU IC of the Russian Federation in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1), 282.3 (1), 282.2 (2)

The number of the case in court:

№ 1-27/2023 (1-130/2022; 1-1348/2021)

Court:

Surgut City Court

Judge:

Dmitry Lupin

2023

The imposition of interim measures by the Strasbourg Court on the complaint of Loginov et al. against Russia

February 26, 2019

Statement on the recusal of the investigative team in Surgut

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