A Court in Tolyatti Sentenced Yelena Yurenkova to Two Years Suspended for Her Beliefs

 RUSSIA


A Court in Tolyatti Sentenced Yelena Yurenkova to Two Years Suspended for Her Beliefs

March 25, 2024 Samara Region


On March 22, 2024, Anastasiya Fedorova, judge of the Central District Court of Tolyatti, sentenced Yelena Yurenkova, 53, to 2 years of suspended imprisonment. For the fact that the believer read and discussed the Bible, she was found guilty of the activities of an extremist organization.


Speaking before the court with her last word, Yelena stated: "Today, Jehovah's Witnesses do not lose their joy when they are persecuted for the name of Jesus. For me, as for the ministers of antiquity, suffering in itself is not a cause for joy. But if I remain faithful to God during trials, He will help me endure and gain approval. This is my hope, the foundation of my faith, for which I am being judged today."


The persecution of Yelena Yurenkova began in May 2023, when the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against her. The reason for this was the hidden video recording of the services, which was conducted for 1.5 years. After the search and interrogation, the believer was given a recognizance agreement. In August of the same year, court hearings began, in which a secret witness participated.


The prosecutor requested a sentence of 4 years in prison and 1 year of restriction of freedom for the woman. Yelena Yurenkova does not agree with the court's decision and can appeal it to higher authorities. There are no victims, no damage caused, no proven facts of extremist activity in the case.


In Tolyatti, 6 Jehovah's Witnesses, including 4 women, have already been prosecuted.


Yurenkova's case in Tolyatti


Case History


Yelena Yurenkova became a defendant in a criminal case for her faith when searches were carried out in Tolyatti in May 2023. They placed her under recognizance agreement. The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee for the Samara Region accused the woman of participating in the activities of an extremist organization in connection with her peaceful meetings with fellow believers. The basis for initiating a criminal case was a hidden video recording of worship services, which was conducted for 2.5 years. In July 2023, the case went to court. The prosecutor requested a sentence of 4 years in prison for Yelena. In March 2024, the court sentenced the believer to 2 years suspended sentence.


Criminal case


Region:

Samara Region

Locality:

Tolyatti

Suspected of:

"Took active steps by taking an active part in the activities of the organization ... through participation in collective meetings... where ideology was discussed ... religious organization" (from the Decision on bringing as an accused).

Court case number:

12302360032000241

Case initiated:

May 15, 2023

Current case stage:

Appeal

Investigating:

Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Samara Region

Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation:

282.2 (2)

Court case number:

1-44/2024 (1-524/2023)

Tolyatti Central District Court

Judge of the Court of First Instance:

Anastasia Fedorova


In the photo:


1. Yelena Yurenkova with her husband Yuriy. March 2024.

2. The believer and her husband with their friends near the court building.

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