Additional Name(s): Mikhail Ivanovich Burkov, Бурков Михаил Иванович

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, 2 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: June/23/2023

Date of Sentencing: June/23/2023

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 Possession of Religious Materials Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Mikhail Burkov

Extra Bio Info:

Mikhail Burkov is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On October 25, 2022, the Tyndinskiy District Court of the Amur Region sentenced Burkov to six years and two months 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). Burkov and others were accused of holding worship services and “home-based Bible studies." Religious materials seized were used as evidence. Burkov was taken into custody following the verdict.

On December 27, 2022, the Amur Regional Court overturned Burkov's conviction and ordered a retrial. He was released following the decision.

On June 23, 2023, the Tyndinskiy District Court of the Amur Region sentenced Burkov to six years and two months in prison. He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On September 5, 2023, the Amur Regional Court upheld Burkov's sentence.

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