Additional Name(s): Yuriy Yevgeniyevich Chernyshev, Чернышев Юрий Евгеньевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 6 Years, 3 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: November/24/2020

Date of Sentencing: March/31/2023

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Yuriy Chernyshev

Extra Bio Info:

Yuriy Chernyshev is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On November 24, 2020, authorities in Moscow detained Chernyshev following raids on the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. He was accused accused of having discussions about the Bible.

On November 27, 2020, Chernyshev was released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest.

On March 31, 2023, the Babushkinsky District Court in Moscow sentenced Chernyshev to six years and three months in prison for “organizing the activities of a public or religious association or other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-1 RCC). Chernyshev was taken into custody following the verdict.

On April 10, 2024, the Moscow City Court upheld Chernyshev's sentence.

Related Cases: Vardan Zakaryan, Ivan Chaykovskiy, Vitaliy Komarov, Sergey Shatalov

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