Elena Nikulina's last word in the Saransk court

 RUSSIA 

Elena Nikulina's last word in the Saransk court

August 15, 2022

Mordovia

From the courtroom

In her speech, Elena Nikulina drew the attention of the audience to the unsubstantiation of the accusations against her and explained why people living according to biblical norms cannot be extremists.

Transcript of the court session in the Leninsky District Court of Saransk dated 08/15/2022 in the case 1-13/2022 on charges of Nikulina Elena Anatolyevna and others. of committing a crime under Part 2 and Part 1.1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Nikulina Elena Anatolyevna: Dear court! At the beginning of my last appeal, I express my gratitude to all participants in the process for the calm, businesslike atmosphere in which all court sessions were held. Thank you, Elena Vitalievna, you showed attention to us and when our further actions were unclear to us, you stopped the meeting and gave us the opportunity to consult with lawyers. I also thank my lawyer, Alfiya Alfredovna. She listened attentively to our arguments at the meetings, the recordings of which we viewed during the trial, it was perfectly clear from her speech in the debate, thank you very much.

It's no secret that in the modern world it's very difficult to keep the peace in family relationships. There have been some problems in our family in the past. George and I lived in an unregistered marriage for about 13 years, as is customary in society today. It seemed to us that if we had no children, no common property, then there was no need to marry. But thanks to the study of God's norms and principles that we found in the Bible, we came to understand that many things need to change in our lives, that an unregistered marriage before God is fornication. As a result, we decided that we should legitimize our relationship before God and the authorities. Romans 13:1 says: "Every person must obey the highest authorities, because any authority is from God."

The Bible helps to fight not with each other, but with family problems, and by peaceful methods. In the Letter to the Ephesians, the 4th chapter, the 29th, 31st and 32nd verses, the following words are recorded: "Let no rotten word come out of your tongue. Say only good things that will strengthen others — when necessary — so that your words benefit those who listen to you… Get rid of anger, anger, rage, shouting, abusive speech and other evil. Treat each other with kindness and deep compassion, and generously forgive each other." When spouses apply these tips, problems are solved in the most peaceful way.

Studying the Word of God, I came to the conclusion that it is necessary to establish good relations not only with my family members, but also with other people, for example, with colleagues or neighbors. Romans 12:18 says: "As far as possible on your part, be at peace with everyone." After all, if everyone thinks about not hurting others, then peace in the relationship will be achieved. And you need to start making changes with yourself.

There is a wonderful piece of advice from Jehovah, recorded in Philippians 2:3, 4: "Do nothing out of vanity or a desire to argue, but be humble and consider others above yourself. Take care not only of your own interests, but also of the interests of others." When we started to apply this advice, our lives began to change, and the result was not long in coming. Relations with relatives improved so much that when we had a fire — the house burned down — my sister's family took us in with love. We stayed with them for 4 months while we were looking for a place to live. They helped us in this, and they still support us.

We study the Bible to improve our lives and the lives of others. And extremism is hatred, anger and intolerance towards others. There is not a single fact in the case file proving the illegality of our actions, not a single manifestation even remotely resembling extremism!

If all people read the Bible and tried to live according to God's standards, then there would be no selfishness and envy, anger and hatred, and, as a result, there would be no wars! Then there would be love between people, how easy it is!

The courts are called to fight crime, but I still haven't figured out what my crime is. There are no victims in our case, but there are still victims — and they are in front of you, in the dock!

So why are we on this bench now? This is obvious — so that you also learn about the God Jehovah and His son Jesus. We are followers of Jesus Christ and therefore we try to follow exactly his path. Jesus, in his exemplary prayer, which millions of people know as "Our Father", in the Gospel of Matthew 6:9, calls for sanctifying the name of God. It says, "Our Father is in heaven, may your name be hallowed." We are trying to show what Jesus and his father Jehovah teach. And in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verse 9, it says: "You should be ready. You will be put on trial... and will be taken to rulers and kings because of me so that they will hear about me." I consider it a great honor to participate in the consecration of the name of God, without whom nothing and no one would exist anywhere and never.

In the book of Acts, the 10th chapter, the 34th and 35th verses, attention is drawn to one quality of God, which we also learn: "Then Peter said, 'Now I know for sure that God is impartial and that he accepts a person from any nation if they fear him and do the right thing.'" We do not distinguish between people based on race, social, or religious affiliation. And they never called for a fight against anyone. Hatred is alien to us in principle. In the Gospel of Matthew, 5th chapter, 44th and 45th verses it says: "And I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you will show that you are the children of your heavenly Father." Our God Jehovah loves everyone, and we take an example from him.

In the Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 32, verse 4, it is said about our God Jehovah: "He is a Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. He is a reliable God, he is alien to injustice, He is just and honest." And He promises us a different future! In the book of Psalms, chapter 37, the 10th text says: "A little more, and those who do evil will be gone. You look at where they were, and they're gone." Even in the future, Jehovah promises to put nature and human health in order, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 35, from the 5th to the 7th text it says: "Then the blind will see and the deaf will hear. The lame one will gallop like a deer, and the mute one will cheerfully exclaim. Water sources will break through in the desert, and streams will flow through the arid plain. The parched land will turn into a lake, and springs will clog in the thirsty land."

Among other things, we are accused of refusing treatment. It's completely absurd. Of course, the Bible is not a reference book on medicine, and yet from this book you can learn how to manage your health. The Bible condemns excesses, for example, in Proverbs 23:20 it says: "Do not be among those who revel in wine or overeat meat." There are a lot more bad habits in the modern world. When my husband and I found out how Jehovah treats addictions that are harmful to health, we gave up cigarettes. By that time, George had smoked a lot and for a long time, almost 40 years!

The Bible describes many cases related to the treatment of people, but nowhere does it say that God is unhappy that various ointments, herbs, and diets were used. Even Jesus recognized that "it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12).

Last October, my husband and I were sick with COVID-19, as were many of those present here. Unfortunately, we could not do without a hospital. We did not refuse treatment, we accepted everything that the doctors prescribed for us. There are still complications from this insidious disease. It is necessary to continue examinations and treatment. However, employment in court does not allow us to fully engage in our health. On Mondays and Thursdays, you have to take time off from work to court, there are only 3 working days a week left. In order to restore health, you need to leave work altogether. It is clear that we cannot afford it.

From all of the above, it is easy to understand that I consider all the accusations made against me to be unfounded. The prosecution is trying to show our extremist activity, which does not really exist! In fact, we are peace-loving people, and do not pose a danger either to the state and the authorities, or to others. We respect the laws and regulations established by the authorities, and we try to work honestly and conscientiously.

Your Honor, what is my fault, our fault? That we want to live in peace with all people? That we recognize Jehovah God as the only true, living God? Your Honor, I have done nothing illegal! She only used her constitutional right to believe in God and practice her religion. And this was not a continuation of the activities of the liquidated extremist organization.

I ask the court to acquit me, my husband and my friends!

Summary of the case

Region:

Mordovia

Locality:

Saransk

What is suspected of:

He was engaged in "spreading ideology and faith among the residents of the Republic of Mordovia by conducting conversations in public places and residential premises with residents of Saransk and other settlements," which is interpreted as "organizing the activities of an extremist organization"

Criminal case number:

11907890001000003

Case initiated:

February 4, 2019

Current stage of the case:

The verdict has entered into force

Investigating:

The Federal Security Service of Russia for the Republic of Mordovia

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (2), 282.2 (1), 282.2 (1.1)

The number of the case in court:

1-13/2022 (1-216/2021)

Court:

Leninsky District Court of Saransk

Judge of the Court of first instance:

Elena Simonova