The last word of the defendant Sergei Kardakov in Blagoveshchensk

 RUSSIA 

The last word of the defendant Sergei Kardakov in Blagoveshchensk

December 21, 2022

Amur region

From the courtroom

"During the judicial investigation, not a single piece of evidence was presented indicating that my life and worship of God in any way undermine the security of the state." Sergei Kardakov explained to the court why peaceful believers find themselves in the dock.

Transcript of the court session in the Blagoveshchensk City Court of the Amur region dated 12/21/2022 in the case 1-135/2022 on charges of Sergei Alekseevich Kardakov and others. of committing a crime under Part 1 of Articles 282.2 and 282.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Sergey Alekseevich Kardakov:

"For this I was born and for this I came into the world to bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37). Jesus Christ said these words while standing in front of Pontius Pilate, the Roman ruler of Judea. Jesus did not come there of his own accord, and Pilate did not invite him either. He ended up there because Jewish religious leaders falsely accused him of crimes deserving death. How did Jesus behave, and what did it lead to? Jesus understood very well that it was in Pilate's power both to free him and to put him to death. But all the same, he boldly spoke to Pilate about the Kingdom. Although Jesus' life was in danger, he took the opportunity to testify to the highest-ranking person in the area. Despite the testimony given by Jesus, he was convicted and executed. He died a martyr's death on a stake.

Today, many are suspicious of those who seek to become martyrs — to suffer or die in the name of any, especially religious beliefs - and consider them fanatics. It is widely believed that even if such people are not terrorists, they are still dangerous to society. Interestingly, however, the word "martyr" in a number of languages comes from the Greek word "martis", which in biblical times was used to call a witness — a person who testified, perhaps in court, about what he believes. And only later did this word come to mean "someone who gives his life for the sake of testimony" or even gives testimony at the cost of his life.

What did Jesus come to earth mainly for? Jesus did not seek to become a martyr. As he told Pilate, he came to "bear witness to the truth." The reaction to his testimony was mixed. Some of the ordinary people were deeply affected by what they heard and saw, and they believed in Jesus. The people in general and religious leaders in particular also reacted to his message, but only negatively. Jesus explained to his unbelieving relatives: "The world has nothing to hate you for, but it hates me because I testify of him that his deeds are evil." By testifying to the truth, Jesus incurred the wrath of the leaders of the people, and this led to his death. He was truly "a faithful and true witness [Martis]."

Jesus not only suffered severe persecution himself, but also warned his followers that a similar fate awaited them. At the beginning of his ministry, while delivering the Sermon on the Mount, he addressed the audience with the words: "Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the heavenly kingdom belongs to them. You are happy when people vilify and persecute you and falsely say all the bad things about you because of me. Rejoice and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:10-12). What did Jesus warn the 12 apostles about when He sent them to preach? Later, when he sent 12 apostles to preach, he said: "Be careful with people, for they will take you to local courts and scourge you in their synagogues. And they will lead you because of me to rulers and kings for testimony to them and other nations." However, the students would not only be persecuted by religious leaders. Jesus continued: "The brother will give the brother to death, and the father will give the child, and the children will rise up against their parents and give them to death. And you will be hated by all for my name, but whoever stands to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:17, 18, 21, 22). The history of Christians of the first century confirms the truth of these words.

If we talk about our time, in many parts of the world, Jehovah's Witnesses have earned universal recognition: they are praised for unity and cooperation, for honesty and integrity, for exemplary morality and family life, and even for exemplary appearance and behavior. On the other hand, in some countries, including Russia, their activities are banned or restricted, and many Witnesses are subjected to ill-treatment and deprivation because of their faith.

Why do people who peacefully profess their religious beliefs end up in the dock? There is an explanation for this. The trial taking place in Blagoveshchensk and similar trials in Russia are proof of the truthfulness of the prophecy recorded in the Bible. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ described the component of the sign of the last days, mentioned one important detail recorded in Luke 21:12, 13: "First of all, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you to synagogues and prisons, and will lead you before kings and rulers for my name." What is the purpose of this? Jesus explains, "It will be for you to bear witness to them." Or, "Here's a chance for you to testify about Me."

What kind of evidence should people receive? This is the good news that Jesus, as God's appointed King, will soon cleanse the entire earth of evil and injustice. He will establish peace and justice on earth. There will be no death, disease, grief and tears. The Bible describes how events will unfold, and there is also clear guidance on what to do to survive the impending events and receive the promised blessings.

To convey this information to all people, including those who are very busy, like you, Your Honor, for example, or a respected prosecutor, Jehovah God allows such processes. He is a loving and just God and does not want to deprive people of the right to choose.

The Bible is a guide for me and my family. Some of my family and friends are not Jehovah's Witnesses, but despite this, we have a good relationship. And when they found out that I was going through a trial and I was facing a real sentence, it was a shock for them. They genuinely don't understand why this is happening to me. Because they know us as believers and law-abiding citizens.

I have been a Jehovah's Witness for about 30 years, it is a big part of my life, and all this time I have never been accused of extremist activities. On the contrary, I am known as a good neighbor, a conscientious worker. And suddenly, after April 20, 2017, I was registered as an extremist. Have I become worse? No. Have I abused someone, robbed someone, or caused someone pain and suffering? No. What evidence is there regarding extremism? In fact, none. Even the indictment says: "There are no casualties."

The offense of which I am accused in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation refers to crimes against the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state. However, during the judicial investigation, not a single piece of evidence was presented indicating that my life and worship of God somehow undermine the security of the state. The prosecutor's office has been proving for a year that I am a Jehovah's Witness, but I did not deny it from the very beginning. The essence is this: You are an extremist because you are a Jehovah's Witness.

In the end, I would like to express my gratitude to the lawyers who provided me with legal assistance at various stages of this criminal case, for consultations, and for their painstaking work. Many thanks to the friends who came regularly throughout the year, both in the bitter cold and in the intense heat, to support me and my wife. I want to thank the prosecution for not putting any pressure on me. I would like to express my gratitude to you, Your Honor. You showed patience and understanding, helped to understand some aspects of the trial.

And, of course, my family. I am proud to have you, and I love you very much. And the person closest to me is my wife, the wife of my youth, Nadezhda. My heart is completely confident in you. You are my support, my support, my ray of light in this pitch darkness. You've been supporting me all this time, believing in me, helping me when I needed help most. Love you. The time will come, we will be together again. We need to wait a bit.

I ask you to acquit me, Your Honor, and attach my last word to the materials of the criminal case.

Summary of the case

Region:

Amur region

Locality:

Blagoveshchensk

What is suspected:

According to the investigation, he participated in the continuation of the activities of the liquidated organization by directly participating in religious events

Criminal case number:

11907100001000062

Case initiated:

October 21, 2019

Current stage of the case:

The verdict has entered into force

Investigating:

The Federal Security Service of Russia for the Amur region

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1), 282.3 (1)

The number of the case in court:

1-135/2022 (1-1408/2021)

Court:

Blagoveshchensk City Court of the Amur region

Judge of the Court of First instance:

Daria Varkalevich