Additional Name(s): Andrey Vasiliyevich Kolesnichenko, Колесниченко Андрей Васильевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Decreased to 4 Years' Suspended Sentence

Sentence: 4 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/20/2022

Date of Sentencing: January/20/2022

Date of Release: June/30/2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Possession of Religious Materials Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief Singing, Playing, & Producing Religious Songs & Music

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Andrey Kolesnichenko

Extra Bio Info:

Andrey Kolesnichenko was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

In July 2020, authorities raided the home of Kolesnichenko and other Jehovah's Witnesses and confiscated electronics, religious texts, and other items. 

In March 2021, authorities formally initiated an investigation into Kolesnichenko 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). The basis of the investigation reportedly stems from audio recordings of him performing ordinary religious activities such as singing and praying.

On January 20, 2022, the Seversky City Court of Tomsk sentenced Kolesnichenko to four years in prison.  He was taken into state custody following the verdict. 

On June 30, 2022, the Tomsk Regional Court commuted Kolesnichenko's sentence and gave him four years' suspended sentence.  Kolesnichenko was released after the verdict.

Kolesnichenko is married.

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