Additional Name(s): Georgiy Nikolayevich Nikulin, Никулин Георгий Николаевич

Gender: Male

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

Georgiy Nikulin

Extra Bio Info:

Georgiy Nikulin is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

In February 2019, authorities reportedly open a criminal case against Nikulin 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, Nikulin was detained. 

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

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

On August 25, 2022, the Leninskiy District Court of Saransk sentenced Nikulin 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). He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

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

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

ikulin is married. His wife, Elena Nikulina, is also imprisoned for her religious belief and activity.

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

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