Arsen Avanesov

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

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