Additional Name(s): Vilen Shagenovich Avanesov, Аванесов Вилен Шагенович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: May/22/2019

Date of Sentencing: July/29/2021

Date of Release: February/9/2024

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Vilen Avanesov

Extra Bio Info:

Vilen Avanesov was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On May 22, 2019, authorities in Rostov-on-Don arrested Avanesov after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. 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 July 29, 2021, the Leninskiy District Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Avanesov to six years in prison.

On December 6, 2021, the Rostov Regional Court upheld Avanesov's sentence.

On February 9, 2024, Avanesov was released from prison after completing his sentence.

Related Cases: Arsen Avanesov, Aleksandr Parkov

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