Extra Bio Info:

Nataliya Sorokina was imprisoned for her religious belief and activity. 

On October 7, 2018, authorities arrested Sorokina and charged her 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).

On April 15, 2019, Sorokina was released and placed under house arrest.

In the summer of 2019, Sorokina's original charge reclassified. She was then 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).

In the fall of 2019, Sorokina's house arrest order was reportedly lifted, and she was placed on recognizance. 

On April 22, 2021, the Sychevka District Court sentenced Sorokina to six years of suspended imprisonment and three years of probation. During the trial, prosecutors reportedly introduced audio recordings of Sorokina discussing religious themes and texts as evidence.

On September 15, 2021, Sorokina's appeal was rejected.

Sorokina reportedly suffered from health issues while detained.

Related Cases: Mariya Troshina

Extra Bio Info:

Negede Teklemariam was detained for his religious belief.

On September 17, 1994, authorities arrested Teklemariam for conscientiously objecting to performing compulsory military service.

On December 4, 2020, Teklemariam was released, following concerns about COVID-19 in prisons.

Extra Bio Info:

Abune Antonios was placed under house arrest and died in state custody for resisting state-interference in church affairs.

On January 20, 2006, authorities notified Antonios, patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, that he would be removed as patriarch and placed under house arrest.  The move by authorities came after Antonios had called for the release of political prisoners and resisted government pressure to excommunicate members of the church. 

On May 27, 2007, the government replaced Antonios with Bishop Dioscoros of Mendefera, forcefully removed Antonios from his home, and detained him at an undisclosed location.

On July 16, 2017, authorities allowed Antonios to make a public appearance for the first time in over a decade, attending mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Asmara.

On July 19, 2017, the government moved Antonios to a new location, reportedly to provide better living conditions.

On February 9, 2022, Patriarch Antonios died after 16 years of house arrest.  The next day, he was buried at Abune Andreas Monastery.

Antonios reportedly suffered from diabetes and was denied proper medical care.