Additional Name(s): Alexei Yershov, Aleksey Nikolayevich Yershov, Ершов Алексей, Ершов Алексей Николаевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Decreased to 3 Years' Suspended Sentence

Sentence: Originally 3 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/19/2022

Date of Sentencing: January/19/2022

Date of Release: April/7/2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Possession of Religious Materials Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief Singing, Playing, & Producing Religious Songs & Music

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Aleksey Yershov

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksey Yershov was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

In July 2020, security forces raided the home of Yershov and other Jehovah's Witnesses. They reportedly confiscated electronics, Bibles, books, and several other items.

On March 30, 2021, Yershov was formally charged 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) after being recorded performing ordinary religious activities, such as singing songs, praying, and discussing religious teachings.

On January 19, 2022, the Seversk City Court of Tomsk sentenced Yershov to three years in prison. He was taken into state custody following the trial.

On April 7, 2022, the Tomsk Regional Court commuted Yershov's sentence and gave him three years' suspended sentence.  The verdict went immediately into force.

Yershov is married.

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