Additional Name(s): Aleksander Shevchuk, Aleksandr Stanislavovich Shevchuk, Шевчук Александр Станиславович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 2 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/25/2022

Date of Sentencing: August/25/2022

Date of Release: November/3/2023

Current Status: 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

Aleksandr Shevchuk

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksandr Shevchuk was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

In February 2019, authorities reportedly open a criminal case against Shevchuk 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) 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). He was accused of engaging in proselytizing activities by discussing his religion with people in public. Soon after, Shevchuk was detained. 

On February 8, 2019, Shevchuk was taken to Detention Center No. 1 in the Republic of Mordovia.

On June 2, 2019, Shevchuk was released on bail.

On August 25, 2022, the Leninskiy District Court of Saransk sentenced Shevchuk to two years in prison reportedly 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). He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On January 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Mordovia upheld Shevchuk's sentence.

On October 17, 2023, the First Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Saratov upheld Shevchuk's sentence.

On November 3, 2023, Shevchuk was released from prison after completing his sentence.

Related Cases: Elena Nikulina, Georgiy Nikulin, Denis Antonov, Aleksandr Korolev, Vladimir Atrуakhin

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