The last word of the defendant Andrzej Onishchuk in Kirov

 RUSSIA 

The last word of the defendant Andrzej Onishchuk in Kirov

May 23, 2022

Kirov region

From the courtroom

Speaking before the court, the believer explained why extremism is alien to him: "Biblical principles and inner beliefs do not allow me to speak out against the state system and cause harm and pain to someone. It's against my nature."

Transcript of the court session in Pervomaisky district Court of Kirov dated 05/23/2022 on the case 1-2/2022 (1-5/2021; 1-123/2020) on the charges of Onishchuk Andrzej Anatolyevich and others. of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 and Part 1 of Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Onishchuk Andrzej Anatolyevich:

Your Honor, in the last word, I would like to express my gratitude to all the participants in the process and those who supported me in this process. Thank you, Your Honor, for the fact that the trial was held in a calm, respectful and very dignified atmosphere, which in turn allowed me to feel more calm and confident myself. There was no unnecessary tension. At times when I was not feeling very well physically, I was shown compassion and understanding. Thank you very much, Your Honor.

I also want to thank Prosecutor Ekaterina Vladimirova. I thank my lawyer for his sympathy and help. I want to thank the translator, Mr. Vladimir, for his help, it was very important to me. Special thanks to my wife, Anna, for the support she gave me during these difficult times for both of us.

I also thank my parents. They are already elderly, but I love them very much. Of course, they cannot believe that in our time, in the 21st century, people are being blamed for their religious beliefs. It is difficult for them to understand this, because, being Orthodox, they live in a Catholic country and at the same time do not feel pressure from the majority — there is complete tolerance.

Also, thanks to all the dear co-religionists who supported us with their presence. Thanks also to the co—religionists in Kirov and all over the world, who could not be with us in body, but were in spirit - in thoughts and fervent prayers. Your prayers have been answered, many thanks to all of you!

Most importantly, I want to thank my God Jehovah for the power of the Holy Spirit that I have felt all the time since my arrest.

Your Honor, I understand that I'm not here because I committed any crime, no. I'm here because I'm a Jehovah's Witness. It doesn't surprise me, on the contrary, it strengthens my faith. It was the same with the disciples of Jesus in the first century. Jesus said that this would happen to his followers, and if so, then I'm on the right track.

Your Honor, life is a wonderful gift from God, our heavenly Father. Genesis 1:27 says that God created us in his image and likeness. Of course, it's not about appearance, but about the qualities that the Creator shared with us, thereby showing his great love. Of course, all people manifest them in different ways, but the very fact that we are created in the image and likeness of God shows that we must cherish and respect all people, regardless of their beliefs, skin color and nationality - after all, all these people are created in the image of God, not Satan. Your Honor, I am very glad that by studying the Bible, I was able to understand this. Of course, because of my imperfection, not everything is as good as I would like, but I really try to love and respect others, as Jehovah teaches me.

And although the prosecutor believes that we put ourselves above others, exalt ourselves, the facts show that this is not true.

Your Honor, the Bible is an authority for Jehovah's Witnesses: This is the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 says: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be prepared for every good work."

And Joshua 1:8 says: "May this book of the law always be on your lips, and read it carefully day and night so that you adhere to everything that is written in it. Then you will succeed in your path and act wisely."

It was from the Bible that I learned that Jesus' disciples in the first century met with their co-religionists at Christian gatherings to strengthen their faith and encourage each other to do good deeds. This commandment is written in the Letter to Hebrews 10:24, 25. She also refers to the followers of Christ in our day: we must learn good deeds, and I want to do the will of God.

I can't help but mention our dear co-religionist, who can't say anything right now because he fell asleep. I'm talking about our beloved Yuri Geraskov. He was a good friend, a faithful and devoted servant of God, loved the truth, acted honestly and fairly, tried to please God in everything, loved life and his wife, Alya very much. We all sincerely loved him. I think when the words from John 5:25, 26, which speaks about the resurrection, are fulfilled, Yura will want to know about the result of this trial, at which he was accused of being an extremist. Although those who knew Yura are sure that he did not even think about it, because he always tried to live by God's standards.

Your Honor, I don't really feel guilty about what I'm being accused of. I didn't even have such thoughts about extremism. Biblical principles and inner beliefs do not allow me to speak out against the state system and cause harm and pain to someone. It's against my nature, so please excuse me.

Summary of the case

Region:

Kirov region

Locality:

Kirov

What is suspected of:

According to the investigation, "meetings of followers and participants of the said association [Jehovah's Witnesses] were organized in various apartments in compliance with the actions characteristic of this association, expressed in joint singing of biblical songs, improving skills in carrying out missionary activities, studying religious literature, the so-called "Holy Scripture" (Bible), which is included in the Federal List of extremist materials containing the doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses."

Criminal case number:

11802330022000044

Case initiated:

October 3, 2018

The current stage of the case:

The verdict has entered into force

Investigating:

SU IC of the Russian Federation in the Kirov region

Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:

282.2 (1), 282.3 (1), 282.2 (2)

The number of the case in court:

1-2/2022 (1-5/2021; 1-123/2020)

Court of first instance:

Pervomaisky District Court of Kirov

Judge of the Court of first instance:

Timur Yusupov