The last word of the defendant Svetlana Sedova in Khabarovsk

 RUSSIA 

 

The last word of the defendant Svetlana Sedova in Khabarovsk

June 20, 2024

Khabarovsk Territory

"As a mother of three children, I am credited with actions similar to terrorist ones," the believer said in her speech. — Since childhood, I have been taught to adhere to high moral biblical norms. The Bible teaches us to overcome evil with good. It is a blatant injustice to accuse me of extremism!"

Transcript of the court session in the Industrial District Court of Khabarovsk dated 06/20/2024 in the case 1-6/2024 (1-15/2023; 1-216/2022; 1-1031/2021; 1-18/2020; 1-553/2019) on the charges of Sedova Svetlana Grigorievna and others. of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Sedova Svetlana Grigorievna:

Before the court retires to the deliberation room, I want to say one last word and first thank all my friends who support me in word and deed during this difficult time. I am very encouraged by your kindness, help, sympathy and positive attitude. You are actually fulfilling the words recorded in the Book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 17: "A friend loves at all times and, like a brother, will appear in time of adversity." Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I have been a Jehovah's Witness since childhood. In those distant 1980s, atheism was widespread in our country. At that time, I was in school and differed from others in that I was a believer, and I had my own life position. They laughed at me, humiliated me, called me names. Teachers underestimated grades. Some teachers tried to reform me. But there were also those who treated me with respect, because they saw that I studied well and was a responsible child. At the age of 14, I became a complete orphan, living with my stepfather. I really missed my parents. Faith in Jehovah God has become a solid foundation for me in life (this is how my mother raised me). And throughout my life, I have constantly felt the love and care of the good Father Jehovah, the Creator of the vast Universe and our common cozy and beautiful home — the Earth.

Throughout history, starting with the first Christians, the followers of Jesus Christ were persecuted by the state authorities. We also observed this in the 20th century, when Jehovah's Witnesses were oppressed in the USSR, sending entire families to Siberia en masse, incarcerating and discriminating against them at school and at work only because of their religious beliefs. Many have gone through the torments of prisons, camps and exile. Each of them was charged with far-fetched and absolutely absurd charges. They were later recognized as victims of political repression and rehabilitated. But, as we can see, everything is repeating itself today. This trial is proof of that.

However, this does not surprise me, because Jesus Christ, the son of God, spoke about this 2,000 years ago. It is written in the Bible, in the Gospel of Matthew, the 10th chapter, the 17th and 18th verses: "They will give you up to the courts... and they will lead you to rulers and kings for Me, to testify before them and the Gentiles." "And you will be hated by all for my name; but he who endures to the end will be saved" (verse 22). The same is written in the 2nd letter to Timothy, the 3rd chapter, the 12th verse: "And all who wish to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

I believe that now I am also being charged with absurd accusations that I am carrying out extremist activities, undermining the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state. But what is extremism? This is a commitment to extreme views, to the use of extreme measures (including terrorist attacks and hostage-taking) to achieve their goals. I, an absolutely peaceful person, a mother of three children, am credited with actions similar to terrorist ones. Since childhood, I have been taught to adhere to high moral biblical norms. The Bible teaches us to overcome evil with good. It is a blatant injustice to accuse me of extremism!

The prosecution says that I undermine the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state. But in what way? Because I believe in God, who created the entire universe, and I read the Bible? The word of God, the Bible, teaches me to hate violence, evil and cruelty.

Your Honor! I urge you to make a fair decision and pass an acquittal.

Summary of the case

Region:

Khabarovsk Territory

Locality:

Khabarovsk

What is suspected of:

According to investigators, they organized the activities of a religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses on the territory of Khabarovsk (with reference to the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on the liquidation of all 396 registered organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses)

Criminal case number:

11802080002000049

Case initiated:

November 10, 2018

Current stage of the case:

The verdict has not entered into force

Investigating:

From the SU IC of Russia in the Khabarovsk Territory

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (2), 282.2 (1)

The number of the case in court:

1-6/2024 (1-15/2023; 1-216/2022; 1-1031/2021)

Court:

Industrial District Court of Khabarovsk

Judge:

Roman Chiskovsky