Extra Bio Info:

Maksim Khalturin was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On October 9, 2018, authorities arrested Khalturin after raising his home in Kirov.  Authorities were investigating Khalturin for allegedly “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), “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 “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 October 11, 2018, Khalturin was ordered to stay in a pre-trial detention center.

On January 31, 2019, Khalturin was released from pre-trial detention and placed under house arrest.

On September 30, 2019, Khalturin's house arrest order was lifted.

Extra Bio Info:

Khoren Khachikyan was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On February 27, 2019, authorities arrested Khachikyan following a raid on his home in Ulyanovsk.  Authorities were reportedly investigating him for "promoting the popularization of the ideas of Jehovah's Witnesses, promoting the superiority of these ideas over other religious teachings, looking for places for meetings of members of this organization, and direct participation in events."

On February 28, 2019, the Leninsky District Court of Ulyanovsk placed Khachikyan under house arrest. 

On April 19, 2019, Khachikyan's house arrest order was lifted.  He was ordered not to leave his home at night and use the mail, phones, or  internet. 

On October 8, 2020, the Zasviyazhsky District Court of Ulyanovsk sentenced Khachikyan to two years and six months of suspended imprisonment and seven months of restricted freedom 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).

On January 29, 2021, Khachikyan's appeal was dismissed.

Extra Bio Info:

Yevgeniy Kayryak was detained for his religious belief and activity. 

On February 15, 2019, authorities arrested Kayryak after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses in Surgut, Lyantor. Authorities accused him and his colleagues of "delivering speeches, engaging in the Witnesses' public preaching activity with local members, meeting with Bible education volunteers and appointed congregation assistants, and having as one objective the organizing of appointed men in the Vzlyotnove Congregation."  Authorities were investigating Kayryak for allegedly “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).

It is reported that while in custody, Kayryak and his colleagues were electrocuted, strangled, and beaten.

The details about Kayryak's status following his interrogation are unclear.  Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia reports that Kayryak was held in a pre-trial detention center for two days and placed under house arrest for 68 days, but no dates were specified.

On October 11, 2021, Kayryak's trial began.

On November 15, 2021, Kayryak was placed on recognizance.

Kayryak is married.

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