Additional Name(s): Nikolay Pavlovich Voishchev, Воищев Николай Павлович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes
Sentence: 3 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: October/20/2022
Date of Sentencing: September/14/2023
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
Nikolay Voishchev is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
On October 20, 2022, authorities in Maykop detained Voishchev after searching his home. Investigators accused him of organizing religious meetings and discussing the Bible. Voishchev 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).
In February 2023, Voishchev was reportedly transferred to a hospital for treatment for unspecified illnesses.
In May 2023, it was reported that prison authorities were not providing Voishchev proper medical treatment he received while at the hospital.
On September 14, 2023, the Maykop City Court sentenced Voishchev to three years in prison.
Voishchev reportedly has a unspecified tumor and suffers from headaches.
Photo attributed to Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
"Nikolay Voishchev" Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
"The case of Voishchev in Maykop" Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
"A Court in Adygea Sent Nikolay Voishchev, 68, to a Penal Colony for Three Years" Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
"Администрация СИЗО не предоставляет необходимое лечение Свидетелю Иеговы из Майкопа" OVD-Info
"The Court Keeps an Elderly Believer From Maykop in a Pre-trial Detention Center for Months. Behind Bars Nikolay Voishchev cannot receive proper treatment" Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
"One of Jehovah's Witnesses, 67, detained in Maykop" Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia