The last word of the defendant Sergei Shatalov in Moscow

 RUSSIA 


The last word of the defendant Sergei Shatalov in Moscow

March 27, 2023

Moscow


From the courtroom


Sergey explained to the court the difference between a religion and a legal entity of a religious organization, and then focused on the moral aspects of acquitting an innocent person: "Do I want to be acquitted in this court hearing? Yes. However, if the respected court decides otherwise, I will wait for God's justification."


Transcript of the court session in the Babushkinsky District Court of Moscow dated 03/27/2023 in the case 01-0003/2023 on charges of Sergei Shatalov Grigoryevich and others of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.


Shatalov Sergey Grigorievich:


Dear court, dear participants in the process and those present! At the beginning, I want to give a simple example concerning my vision of the essence of the accusation and my defense. Two twins are usually very similar not only in appearance, but often in voice and even in gestures and facial expressions. However, it is clear and obvious to everyone that gemini are two completely different personalities with a different character, life choices, future and responsibility. The conclusion is simple: similarity is not equivalence. The similarity of the statutory goals and provisions of the Local Religious Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses in Moscow and the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses living in Moscow does not make them equivalent subjects of assessment. I ask the respected court to give an appropriate assessment to this argument, repeatedly voiced during the hearings by highly educated specialists in this field, respected religious scholars, as well as the defense side in general.


Now a few thoughts about justification. When someone is guilty of a crime, they usually do their best to avoid punishment and consequences for what they have done. In this case, a person is not much different, for example, from naughty pets. However, when a person is innocent or considers himself to be so, he first of all craves justification. This tendency is not found in birds, fish, insects, etc. Where does the desire for justification come from? The answer can be found in the words from the Bible, which says that man was created in the image and likeness of the Creator, that is, man was endowed with qualities that are inherent in God himself, Jehovah, such as, for example, a sense of justice.


If we talk about justification, then the main justification is still connected not with people, but with the Almighty. At the very beginning of human history, his right as a just, loving and wise ruler was unreasonably questioned. Moral and legal independence from God, which has accompanied humanity throughout history since then, has generated so many troubles that today there is not a drop of doubt that without guidance from above we will not achieve true peace and prosperity. Soon, Jehovah God will finally justify his name and his impeccable rule.


The next major justification occurred 4,000 years after the events of Eden. It concerns Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son. Despite all his good deeds for the benefit of people, he was unfairly accused of crimes that he did not commit. That's what he was charged with: "This man calls on the people to rebel, forbids paying taxes to Caesar… With his teaching, he causes unrest among the people." Although Pontius Pilate was thinking how to free Jesus, the Jews said: "If you free him, you are not a friend of Caesar (that is, the state authorities of that time). The one who declares himself king opposes Caesar" is an extremist, and that's all. The state executed Jesus, but God justified his son by raising him from the dead on the third day and giving him all power in heaven and on earth.


In conclusion, I would like to say the following. During his lifetime, Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." I consider what is happening to me to be a direct fulfillment of these prophetic words. My conscience is clear both before God and before people. Do I want to be acquitted in this court hearing? Yes. However, if the respected court decides otherwise, I will wait for God's justification.


Summary of the case


Region:

Moscow

Locality:

Moscow

Criminal case number:

12002450046000077

Initiated:

November 24, 2020

Current stage of the case:

The appeal

Is investigating:

GSU IC for Moscow

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1), 282.2 (1.1)

Case number in court:

01-0003/2023 (01-0237/2022)

Court:

Babushkinsky District Court of Moscow

Judge:

Evgenia Babinova

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