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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