Additional Name(s): Saveliy Georgiyevich Gargalyk, Гаргалык Савелий Георгиевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: February/15/2019

Date of Release: February/15/2019

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Giving, Sharing, & Listening to a Religious Speech Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Saveliy Gargalyk

Extra Bio Info:

Saveliy Gargalyk was detained for his religious belief and activity.

On February 15, 2019, authorities briefly detained Gargalyk after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses in Surgut, Lyantor. Authorities accused him and his colleagues of "delivering speeches, engaging in the Witnesses' public preaching activity with local members, meeting with Bible education volunteers and appointed congregation assistants, and having as one objective the organizing of appointed men in the Vzlyotnove Congregation."  Authorities were investigating Gargalyk for allegedly “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).

It is reported that while in custody, Gargalyk and his colleagues were electrocuted, strangled, and beaten. Gargalyk was released on recognizance afterwards.

On October 11, 2021, Gargalyk's trial began.

Gargalyk is married with two children.

Related Cases: Artem Kim, Vyacheslav Boronos, Yevgeniy Fedin, Yevgeniy Kayryak

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