Additional Name(s): Yevgeniy Nikolayevich Kayryak, Кайряк Евгений Николаевич

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

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

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Yevgeniy Kayryak

Extra Bio Info:

Yevgeniy Kayryak was detained for his religious belief and activity. 

On February 15, 2019, authorities arrested Kayryak 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 Kayryak 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, Kayryak and his colleagues were electrocuted, strangled, and beaten.

The details about Kayryak's status following his interrogation are unclear.  Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia reports that Kayryak was held in a pre-trial detention center for two days and placed under house arrest for 68 days, but no dates were specified.

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

On November 15, 2021, Kayryak was placed on recognizance.

Kayryak is married.

Related Cases: Artem Kim, Vyacheslav Boronos, Yevgeniy Fedin, Saveliy Gargalyk

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