Additional Name(s): Vladimir Aleksandrovich Alushkin, Алушкин Владимир Александрович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Commuted to 4 Years' Suspended Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 6 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: July/15/2018

Date of Sentencing: December/13/2019

Date of Release: March/25/2020

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Vladimir Alushkin

Extra Bio Info:

Vladimir Alushkin was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On July 15, 2018, authorities arrested Alushkin following a raid on his apartment. 

On January 14, 2019, Alushkin was released from pre-trial detention and placed under house arrest.

On December 13, 2019, the Leninsky District Court of Penza sentenced Alushkin to six 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). The exact part of the article Alushkin was charged under is unclear. He was taken into custody following the trial. 

On March 25, 2020, the Penza Regional Court overturned Alushkin's sentence and ordered a new trial. Alushkin was subsequently released from custody. 

On September 16, 2020, the Penza Regional Court commuted Alushkin's sentence to four years of suspended imprisonment.

Alushkin is married. 

Publicly Available Information:

Additional Name(s): Alam Abdulaziz ogly Aliyev, Alam Abdulaziz Aliyev, Алиев Алам

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 6 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: December/19/2022

Date of Sentencing: December/19/2022

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Alam Aliyev

Extra Bio Info:

Alam Aliyev is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On May 17, 2018, security officers detained Aliyev after raiding his home.  Authorities accused him of holding religious services. 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 May 25, 2018, Aliyev was released and placed on recognizance while still on trial/under investigation.

On December 19, 2022, the Birobidzhan District Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region sentenced Aliyev to six years and six months in prison. He was taken into custody following the verdict.

On June 1, 2023, the Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region upheld Aliyev's sentence.

Aliyev is married with two children.

Related Cases: Valeriy Kriger, Dmitriy Zagulin, Sergey Shulyarenko

Publicly Available Information:

Additional Name(s): Aleksander Akopov, Aleksandr Andreevich Akopov, Акопов Александр Андреевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: December/12/2018

Date of Release: December/5/2019

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

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

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Illicit Financing

Aleksandr Akopov

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksandr Akopov was detained for his religious belief and activity. 

On December 12, 2018, authorities arrested Akopov and charged him 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 December 5, 2019, the Neftekum District Court ordered the release of Akopov and banned him from certain actions, including using the mail, phones, internet, and communicating with witnesses.  

On June 5, 2020, investigators opened a new case against Akopov, charging him 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).

On July 29, 2020, prosecutors accused Akopov and another defendant of "acting according to their criminal roles...managed the property of the prohibited [organization]...held meetings...organized a collection of funds to finance the [organization]."

Related Cases: Shamil Sultanov

Publicly Available Information:
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