Extra Bio Info:

Sean Pike is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On August 25, 2021, authorities in Moscow arrested Pike after raiding the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses. He was accused of “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) for having discussions about the Bible.

In October 2021, Pike reportedly contracted COVID-19.

On December 22, 2023, the Cheremushkinsky District Court sentenced Pike to seven years in prison for “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).

Pike has reportedly been mistreated in prison because of his race. He was initially placed in an overcrowded cell and forced to sleep on the floor. He was later transferred to a less crowded cell.

Pike reportedly developed health problems prior to his contraction of COVID-19 and was then denied proper medical care.

Pike is married with two children.

Related Cases: Aleksandr Rumyantsev, Eduard Sviridov

Extra Bio Info:

Aleksandr Nikolayev was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On September 30, 2021, authorities detained Aleksandr after summoning him for interrogation. Nikolayev's arrest was reportedly in relation to his discussing of the Bible with his friends and family.

On December 23, 2021, the Abinsk District Court of Krasnodar sentenced Nikolayev to two years and six months 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).

On September 19, 2023, Nikolayev was released after completing his sentence.

Nikolayev is married with five children.

Extra Bio Info:

Yuriy Usanov was detained for his religious belief and activity.

On April 2, 2021, authorities arrested Usanov from his home after accusing him of "convening and holding meetings of its members and holding talks” via Zoom. Usanov was under investigation for “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 August 1, 2023, the prosecution reclassified Usanov's charges to “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).

On August 15, 2023, the Taiginsky City Court of the Kemerovo Region sentenced Usanov to three years in prison. Usanov was released following the verdict since he had already served his sentence in pre-trial detention.

Usanov is married.

Related Cases: Maksim Morozov