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

Extra Bio Info:

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.