Additional Name(s): Vilen Shagenovich Avanesov, Аванесов Вилен Шагенович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: May/22/2019

Date of Sentencing: July/29/2021

Date of Release: February/9/2024

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Vilen Avanesov

Extra Bio Info:

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

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

On February 9, 2024, Avanesov was released from prison after completing his sentence.

Related Cases: Arsen Avanesov, Aleksandr Parkov

Publicly Available Information:

Additional Name(s): Arsen Vilenovich Avanesov, Аванесов Арсен Виленович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Increased to 7 Years' Imprisonment; Originally Rejected

Sentence: Originally 6 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: May/22/2019

Date of Sentencing: July/29/2021

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 Illicit Financing

Arsen Avanesov

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

Publicly Available Information:

Additional Name(s): Elena Anatoliyevna Nikulina, Никулина Елена Анатольевна

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 4 Years, 2 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/25/2022

Date of Sentencing: August/25/2022

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Proselytizing Activities Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Elena Nikulina

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

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