DECEMBER 8, 2022
GLOBAL NEWS

Brothers Dubovenko and Litvinyuk Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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On November 30, 2022, the Armyanskiy City Court of the Republic of Crimea convicted Brothers Aleksandr Dubovenko and Aleksandr Litvinyuk. Both brothers received prison sentences of six years and were immediately taken into custody.

Profiles

Aleksandr Dubovenko

Born: 1973 (Ochakiv, Ukraine)

Biography: Worked as a welder, electrician, and finish carpenter. Married Irina in 1999

His mother became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and introduced him to the truth. Was pleased to learn of the Bible’s promise of a paradise earth. Baptized in 1999

Personal Comments a

How did you cope with the challenge of being under house arrest?

I was not allowed to communicate with anyone outside my home other than the investigators or lawyers for over 13 months. I am still prohibited from speaking to any of the brothers and sisters named as witnesses in my case. However, I meditated on the example of Elijah. He was in the wilderness and very distraught. Jehovah strengthened Elijah and reassured him that he was not alone. Jehovah did not abandon Elijah, and I am convinced that He will not abandon me either.

Aleksandr Litvinyuk

Born: 1960 (Amangeldi, Kazakhstan)

Biography: Worked in a chemical plant and as a welder. Married Nadezhda in 1979. They have one son

Wondered why God allowed suffering and wickedness. Found the answer after he and Nadezhda began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 1993

Personal Comments b

How did you prepare yourself to face persecution?

When I began to hear of what was happening to my brothers and sisters, I wondered whether I was ready to face persecution. I concluded that I was not quite ready. I began to read about and meditate on Bible accounts of those who endured difficult trials. I focused on their endurance and trust in Jehovah. I researched these accounts with the goal of bringing them to life in my imagination. My wife and I also spent time reviewing life stories of modern-day faithful brothers and sisters. These things strengthened our faith and made us feel better prepared for what was coming.

How have you been helped by the prayers of others in your behalf?

I am moved to tears when I hear how intensely the brothers and sisters are praying for me. They are asking Jehovah to give me the calmness, courage, and strength that I need. Before every court hearing, one brother would ask me what specific concerns I had mentioned in my personal prayers that day regarding the trial. He would then pray for those same things as he waited outside. That really warmed my heart.

We are comforted to know that Jehovah is always beside us wherever and whenever we face trials.—Psalm 139:7-12.

Time Line

August 2, 2021

Criminal case initiated. Both brothers accused of using videoconferencing software to promote the activities of an extremist organization
August 5, 2021

Searches conducted in the homes of eight families of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including the Dubovenkos’ and Litvinyuks’ homes. Brother Litvinyuk arrested and placed in temporary detention
August 6, 2021

Brother Litvinyuk released from temporary detention and placed under house arrest
August 9, 2021

Authorities searched the Dubovenkos’ home a second time. Aleksandr interrogated and placed under house arrest
August 11, 2021

Brother Litvinyuk officially charged with organizing the activities of an extremist organization
February 8, 2022

Brother Dubovenko officially charged with organizing the activities of an extremist organization
April 29, 2022

Criminal trial began. The judge denied Brother Litvinyuk’s request to visit a doctor and receive treatment while under house arrest
September 8, 2022

Both brothers allowed to daily leave their homes between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
November 30, 2022

Both brothers sentenced to six years in prison

a b Personal comments were provided prior to sentencing.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Brothers Dubovenko and Litvinyuk Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Profiles

Time Line

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