Additional Name(s): Aleksander Ivshin, Ivshin, Aleksandr Yevgeniyevich

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Health Concerns: Contracted COVID-19

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 7 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/10/2021

Date of Sentencing: February/10/2021

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 Singing, Playing, & Producing Religious Songs & Music

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Aleksandr Ivshin

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksandr Ivshin is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On February 10, 2021, the Abinsk District Court of Krasnodar sentenced Ivshin to seven years and six months 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). Authorities accused him of discussing the Bible with friends and organizing online religious services that included singing religious songs. Ivshin was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On April 15, 2021, the Krasnodar Regional Court upheld Ivshin's sentence.

Ivshin reportedly contracted COVID-19 while in state custody before being transferred to a prison.