Taras Kuzio

Additional Name(s): Taras Grigoryevich Kuzio, Taras Kuzo, Кузьо Тарас Григорьевич

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Overturned

Sentence: Originally 6 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/27/2023

Date of Sentencing: February/27/2023

Date of Release: March/22/2024

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Possession of Religious Materials Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Illicit Financing

Taras Kuzio

Extra Bio Info:

Taras Kuzio was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On March 11, 2021, authorities in Yalta, Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine, detained Kuzio after accusing him of extremism tied to his religion. Authorities searched his home and seized electronics and Bibles.

On March 12, 2021, Kuzio was placed under house arrest. 

On July 11, 2022, the Yalta City Court lifted Kuzio's house arrest.

On February 27, 2023, the Yalta City Court sentenced Kuzio to six years and six 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) and “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). Kuzio was taken into custody following the verdict. 

On March 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of Crimea overturned Kuzio's sentence and ordered a new trial. Kuzio was subsequently released from custody.

Kuzio is married with two children.

Related Cases: Sergey Lyulin, Pyotr Zhiltsov

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