Additional Name(s): Artyom Velichko, Artyom Igorevich Velichko, Величко Артём Игоревич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: February/14/2023

Date of Release: August/4/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: House Arrest

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Religious Activity

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Artem Velichko

Extra Bio Info:

Artem Velichko was under house arrest for his religious belief and activity.

On February 14, 2023, authorities in Saransk arrested Velichko and transferred him to a detention center after accusing him of participating in religious meetings. Velichko was charged with “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). 

On May 3, 2023, Velichko was placed under house arrest.

On August 4, 2023, Velichko's house arrest was lifted.

Related Cases: Ivan Neverov, Mikhail Shevchuk

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