Extra Bio Info:

Shamil Sultanov was detained for his religious belief and activity.

On December 9, 2018, authorities arested Sultanov following police raids on Jehovah's Witness homes.  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 December 5, 2019, the Neftekum District Court ordered the release of Sultanov 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 Sultanov, 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 Sultanov 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]."

Sultanov reportedly suffers from unspecified health issues.

Sultanov is married.

Related Cases: Aleksandr Akopov

Extra Bio Info:

Vadim Levchuk was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On July 22, 2018, authorities arrested Levchuk. He was subsequently brought to his home to have it searched.

On December 25/26, 2019, Levchuk was released from pre-trial detention and instead placed under house arrest.

On September 2, 2020, the Berezovsky City Court of the Kemerovo Region convicted Levchuk 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) and sentenced him to four years in prison, one year of restricted freedom, and a three-year prohibition of assuming governmental, organizational, and administrative positions. Levchuk was subsequently taken into state custody following the trial.

On January 19, 2021, the Kemerovo Regional Court rejected Levchuk's appeal.

On March 11, 2021, Levchuk was reportedly transferred to a correctional colony in Novosibirsk.

On December 30, 2021, Levchuk was released.

Levchuk is married with two children.

Related Cases: Sergey Britvin

Extra Bio Info:

Valentin Osadchuk was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On April 19, 2018, authorities arrested Osadchuk.

On April 27, 2018, Osadchuk was charged with “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).  It is reported that he was arrested for participating in religious services.

On January 18, 2019, the Primorsky Regional Court released Osadchuk from pre-trial detention and placed him under house arrest.

On April 1, 2019, prosecutors dropped the charge of “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) and instead charged Osadchuk 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 April 5, 2019, investigators lifted Osadchuk's house arrest and placed him on recognizance.

Prior to his arrest, Osadchuk was responsible for taking care of his elderly mother.