Additional Name(s): Aleksander Parkov, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Parkov, Парков Александр Михайлович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 6 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: May/22/2019
Date of Sentencing: July/29/2021
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism
Aleksandr Parkov is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
On May 22, 2019, authorities in Rostov-on-Don arrested Parkov 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 Parkov to six years and six months in prison.
On December 6, 2021, the Rostov Regional Court upheld Parkov's sentence.
Related Cases: Arsen Avanesov, Vilen Avanesov
Photo attributed to Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
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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 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
Photo attributed to Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
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Additional Name(s): Arsen Vilenovich Avanesov, Аванесов Арсен Виленович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Increased to 7 Years' Imprisonment; Originally Rejected
Sentence: Originally 6 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: May/22/2019
Date of Sentencing: July/29/2021
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Illicit Financing
Arsen Avanesov is 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 January 14, 2020, Avanesov was charged 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) after being accused of taking donations to rent a room for religious meetings.
On July 29, 2021, the Leninskiy District Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Avanesov to six years and six months in prison.
On December 6, 2021, the Rostov Regional Court upheld Avanesov's sentence.
On August 8, 2022, the Rostov Regional Court increased Avanesov's sentence by six months, making it seven years in prison.
Related Cases: Vilen Avanesov, Aleksandr Parkov
Photo attributed to Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
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