Additional Name(s): Shamil Shapiyevich Sultanov, Султанов Шамиль Шапиевич
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: December/9/2018
Date of Release: December/5/2019
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Illicit Financing
Shamil Sultanov was detained for his religious belief and activity.
On December 9, 2018, authorities arested Sultanov following police raids on Jehovah's Witness homes. He 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 December 5, 2019, the Neftekum District Court ordered the release of Sultanov and banned him from certain actions, including using the mail, phones, internet, and communicating with witnesses.
On June 5, 2020, investigators opened a new case against Sultanov, charging him with “collecting funds…intended to finance the organization, preparation and commission of at least one of the crimes of an extremist orientation, or to ensure the activities of an extremist community or an extremist organization” (Art. 282.3-1 RCC).
On July 29, 2020, prosecutors accused Sultanov and another defendant of "acting according to their criminal roles...managed the property of the prohibited [organization]...held meetings...organized a collection of funds to finance the [organization]."
Sultanov reportedly suffers from unspecified health issues.
Sultanov is married.
Related Cases: Aleksandr Akopov
Photo attributed to Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
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