Extra Bio Info:

Arsen Avanesov is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On May 22, 2019, authorities in Rostov-on-Don arrested Avanesov after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. He 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 January 14, 2020, Avanesov was charged with “collecting funds…intended to finance the organization, preparation and commission of at least one of the crimes of an extremist orientation, or to ensure the activities of an extremist community or an extremist organization” (Art. 282.3-1 RCC) after being accused of taking donations to rent a room for religious meetings.

On July 29, 2021, the Leninskiy District Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Avanesov to six years and six months in prison.

On December 6, 2021, the Rostov Regional Court upheld Avanesov's sentence.

On August 8, 2022, the Rostov Regional Court increased Avanesov's sentence by six months, making it seven years in prison. 

Related Cases: Vilen Avanesov, Aleksandr Parkov

Extra Bio Info:

Elena Nikulina is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On April 2, 2021, authorities charge Nikulina with  “recruiting…a person in the activities of an extremist organization” (Art. 282.2-1.1 RCC) and “participating in the activities of a public or religious association, or any other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-2 RCC) after accusing her of engaging in proselytizing activities.

On August 25, 2022, the Leninskiy District Court of Saransk sentenced Nikulina to four years and two months in prison reportedly for “recruiting…a person in the activities of an extremist organization” (Art. 282.2-1.1 RCC) and “participating in the activities of a public or religious association, or any other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-2 RCC). She was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On January 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Mordovia upheld Nikulina's sentence.

On October 17, 2023, the First Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Saratov upheld Nikulina's sentence.

Nikulina is married. Her husband, Georgiy Nikulin, is also imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

Related Cases: Georgiy Nikulin, Aleksandr Shevchuk, Denis Antonov, Aleksandr Korolev, Vladimir Atrуakhin

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksandr Shevchuk was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

In February 2019, authorities reportedly open a criminal case against Shevchuk 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) and “participating in the activities of a public or religious association, or any other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-2 RCC). He was accused of engaging in proselytizing activities by discussing his religion with people in public. Soon after, Shevchuk was detained. 

On February 8, 2019, Shevchuk was taken to Detention Center No. 1 in the Republic of Mordovia.

On June 2, 2019, Shevchuk was released on bail.

On August 25, 2022, the Leninskiy District Court of Saransk sentenced Shevchuk to two years in prison reportedly for “participating in the activities of a public or religious association, or any other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-2 RCC). He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On January 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Mordovia upheld Shevchuk's sentence.

On October 17, 2023, the First Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Saratov upheld Shevchuk's sentence.

On November 3, 2023, Shevchuk was released from prison after completing his sentence.

Related Cases: Elena Nikulina, Georgiy Nikulin, Denis Antonov, Aleksandr Korolev, Vladimir Atrуakhin