After 3 Years of Legal Proceedings, the Cassation Court Finally Upheld the Verdict to the Postnikov Spouses. They Received Suspended Sentences for Peaceful Conversations About God

 RUSSIA


After 3 Years of Legal Proceedings, the Cassation Court Finally Upheld the Verdict to the Postnikov Spouses. They Received Suspended Sentences for Peaceful Conversations About God

July 2, 2024 Jewish Autonomous Area


The case of the Postnikov spouses, having gone through two trials and two appeals, reached the cassation court. On July 2, 2024, the Ninth Cassation Court of General Jurisdiction in Vladivostok upheld the verdict of 5.5 and 4.5 years suspended.


In their cassation appeal, the Postnikovs stated: "The courts have replaced the concept of doctrine, which is formulated in the Christian denomination of Jehovah's Witnesses, with the 'doctrine' of the liquidated organizations, the confession of which was allegedly regarded by the courts as a continuation of the activities of these legal entities."


Oleg Postnikov, speaking before the Court of Cassation, said: "There was no extremism in our actions. My wife and I were prompted to come to L. P. Kabak and talk to her on spiritual topics by Christian love. This woman asked us for help to better understand what the Bible says. After all, the Bible foretells that a wonderful future awaits mankind ... Love and the desire to do good to others are our true motives."


In 1985, faith in Jehovah God helped the convicted Postnikov to reform and embark on the Christian path. Agnessa decided to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses back in 1979. The couple's lawyer noted: "They professed and spread their faith, guided by Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation both before 1991 and after 2017, that is, long before the creation and liquidation of legal entities in which they are accused."


The Postnikovs, while serving a suspended term, do not concentrate on their difficulties. Oleg said: "Faith and courage help me to develop reflection on those who have also shown faith and courage. I try to present in detail the circumstances of the people mentioned in the Bible and the brothers and sisters who have endured and continue to endure persecution in our time." Agnessa noted: "I always pray for my brothers and sisters, as well as their families. I like to read the biographies of fellow believers, it helps to feel love for them and write letters of support."


In February 2024, the FSB again raided the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses in Birobidzhan and the village of Amurzet. The number of victims again included the Postnikov couple. Oleg was threatened with tougher punishment.


In the court hearing, the lawyer emphasized: "The Russian Federation officially, publicly and consistently declares that the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of April 20, 2017 did not impose a ban on either the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses or the ways in which this religion is practiced." However, persecution of peaceful believers continues.


The Case of the Postnikovs in Birobidzhan


Case History


In May 2018, a special operation of the FSB with the participation of 150 security officials, codenamed “Judgement Day”, took place in Birobidzhan. As a result, at least 20 of Jehovah’s Witnesses became victims of criminal prosecution. Among them were Oleg and Agnessa Postnikov. The FSB accused them of participating in the activity of an extremist organization and involving others in it. The couple signed a recognizance agreement. The case went to court in June 2021. The charges against the believers were based on the testimony of police officer Zvereva and another resident of Birobidzhan, who pretended to be interested in the Bible. In April 2022, the court gave Oleg and Agnessa suspended sentences of 5.5 and 5 years, respectively. The court of appeal overturned this decision and in October 2022 returned the case for a new trial, which resulted in suspended sentences of 5.5 and 4.5 years. Another court of appeal upheld the verdict. In February 2024, another search took place at the Postnikovs’ home, but as part of a new raid by security forces on the homes of believers. In July 2024, the court of cassation approved the appeal decision.


Criminal case


Region:

Jewish Autonomous Area

Locality:

Birobidzhan

Suspected of:

According to the investigation, he "took an active part in conducting religious events for the study and dissemination of ... ideology"

Court case number:

12007990001000009

Case initiated:

February 12, 2020

Current case stage:

The verdict entered into force

Investigating:

UFSB of Russia in the Jewish Autonomous Region

Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation:

282.2 (2), 282.2 (1.1)

Court case number:

1-39/2023 (1-718/2022)

Court:

Birobidzhansky District Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region

 Judge of the Court of First Instance:

 Olga Klyuchikova


In the photo: The Postnikov spouses with their friends, July 2, 2024.

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