Additional Name(s): Yuriy Aleksandrovich Usanov,

Gender: Male

Current Location: Detention Center No. 4, Kemerovo

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 3 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: April/2/2021

Date of Sentencing: August/15/2023

Date of Release: August/15/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Online Activity Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism

Yuriy Usanov

Extra Bio Info:

Yuriy Usanov was detained for his religious belief and activity.

On April 2, 2021, authorities arrested Usanov from his home after accusing him of "convening and holding meetings of its members and holding talks” via Zoom. Usanov was under investigation 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).

On August 1, 2023, the prosecution reclassified Usanov's charges to “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).

On August 15, 2023, the Taiginsky City Court of the Kemerovo Region sentenced Usanov to three years in prison. Usanov was released following the verdict since he had already served his sentence in pre-trial detention.

Usanov is married.

Related Cases: Maksim Morozov

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