Additional Name(s): Sergey Evgeniyevich Vasilyev, Васильев Сергей Евгеньевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Sentence: 3 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: October/4/2021

Date of Sentencing: March/5/2024

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief Singing, Playing, & Producing Religious Songs & Music

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Sergey Vasilyev

Extra Bio Info:

Sergey Vasilyev is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On October 4, 2021, authorities in Irkutsk detained Tolmachev following raids on the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. Investigators had reportedly opened a criminal case against him following secret audio recordings of worship services which included participants praying, singing, and reading the Bible.

October 5, 2021, Vasilyev was placed under house arrest.

On March 5, 2024, the Oktyabrskiy District Court of Irkutsk sentenced Vasilyev to three years in prison for “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). Vasilyev was taken into custody following the verdict.

Related Cases: Yaroslav Kalin, Sergey Kosteyev, Nikolay Martynov, Mikhail Moysh, Igor Popov, Denis Sarazhakov, Aleksey Solnechny, Andrey Tolmachev

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