Additional Name(s): Sergey Viktorovich Ananin, Ананин Сергей Викторович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/14/2021

Date of Sentencing: March/31/2023

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 Online Activity Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief Singing, Playing, & Producing Religious Songs & Music

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Sergey Ananin

Extra Bio Info:

Sergey Ananin is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On February 14, 2021, authorities in Belovo detained Ananin after searching the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. He was accused of organizing religious meetings through video conference and holding conversations to promote his religion's activities.

On February 15, 2021, Ananin 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).

On February 16, 2021, Ananin was placed under house arrest.

On March 31, 2023, the Belovo City Court of the Kemerovo Region sentenced Ananin to six years in prison. He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On June 14, 2023, the Kemerovo Regional Court upheld Ananin's sentence.

On January 30, 2024, the Eighth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Kemerovo upheld his sentence.

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