Additional Name(s): Nikolay Vasiliyevich Vasiliyev, Васильев Николай Васильевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/25/2024

Date of Sentencing: January/25/2024

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Nikolay Vasiliyev

Extra Bio Info:

Nikolay Vasiliyev is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On December 15, 2021, authorities in Samara detained several Jehovah's Witnesses, including Vasiliyev, following a raid on an apartment they were in. Vasiliyev was investigated 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) over his Jehovah's Witness activities.

In December 2022, Vasiliyev was released.

On January 25, 2024, the Samara District Court sentenced Vasiliyev to seven years in prison. He was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On May 20, 2024, the Samara Regional Court upheld Vasiliyev’s sentence.

Related Cases: Denis Kuzyanin, Sergey Polosenko, Aram Danielyan

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