Additional Name(s): Sean Antonio Pike, Пайк Шон Антонио

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Health Concerns: COVID-19

Sentence: 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/25/2021

Date of Sentencing: December/22/2023

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

Sean Pike

Extra Bio Info:

Sean Pike is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On August 25, 2021, authorities in Moscow arrested Pike after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. He was accused of “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) for having discussions about the Bible.

In October 2021, Pike reportedly contracted COVID-19.

On December 22, 2023, the Cheremushkinsky District Court sentenced Pike to seven years 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).

Pike has reportedly been mistreated in prison because of his race. He was initially placed in an overcrowded cell and forced to sleep on the floor. He was later transferred to a less crowded cell.

Pike reportedly developed health problems prior to his contraction of COVID-19 and was then denied proper medical care.

Pike is married with two children.

Related Cases: Aleksandr Rumyantsev, Eduard Sviridov

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