Sergey Polyakov

Extra Bio Info:

Sergey Polyakov was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On July 4, 2018, authorities in Omsk detained Polyakov after assaulting him upon violently entering his home. He was charged with “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). Polyakov was reportedly placed in solitary confinement. 

On December 4, 2018, the Omsk Regional Court replaced Polyakov's pretrial detention with house arrest.

On March 4, 2019, Polyakov's house arrest order was lifted. 

On November 30, 2020 the Pervomaiskiy District Court of Omsk sentenced Polyakov to three 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). Polyakov was accused of discussing religion and religious texts with others. His possession of Biblical cartoons and the Bible in different languages was also reportedly used as evidence against him. Polyakov was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On May 28, 2021, the Omsk Regional Court upheld Polyakov's sentence. 

On November 30, 2022, Polyakov was released from prison after completing his sentence. 

Polyakov is married, and his wife, Anastasiya Polyakova, was detained and sentenced alongside him for her religious activities.