Additional Name(s): Nikolay Mironovich Nesterovich, Нестерович Николай Миронович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 2 Years, 7 Months' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: October/5/2021
Date of Sentencing: June/27/2023
Date of Release: June/27/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Possession of Religious Materials Praying Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism
Nikolay Nesterovich was detained for his religious belief and activity.
On October 5, 2021, authorities in Moscow arrested six men, including Nesterovich, after raiding their homes and confiscating religious literature and electronics. The men were accused of holding gatherings in their homes where Said Nursi's literature was read and discussed and where they drank tea together and prayed.
On August 25, 2022, Nesterovich appeared in court, 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).
On June 27, 2023, the Kuzminsky District Court of Moscow sentenced Nesterovich to two years and seven months in prison. Nesterovich was released following the verdict as he completed his sentence while in pre-trial detention.
On November 8, 2023, the Moscow City Court upheld Nesterovich's sentence.
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"Мосгорсуд утвердил приговор последователям Саида Нурси" SOVA Center
"Суд в Москве вынес приговор последователям Саида Нурси" SOVA Center
"Уголовный процесс против шести мусульман по делу турецкого богослова Саида Нурси" Human Rights Without Frontiers
"Russia: Six who met to study their faith on trial in Moscow" Forum 18