JUNE 27, 2023
RUSSIA

Brothers Skvortsov and Tibiy Convicted

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On June 20, 2023, the Taganrog City Court of the Rostov Region convicted Brothers Aleksandr Skvortsov and Valeriy Tibiy. Aleksandr was sentenced to seven years in prison. He has been in detention since December 7, 2021, and will remain in custody. Valeriy was given a six-year suspended prison sentence. He had been in detention since May 18, 2022, and was released from custody.

Profiles

Aleksandr Skvortsov

Born: 1962 (Taganrog)

Biography: Worked as a welder

Married Larisa in 1983. They have two daughters

Larisa began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized in 1996. Aleksandr was happy to learn about the Bible’s hope for a world free from injustice. Baptized in 1997

Previously convicted in 2015 and received a five-and-a-half-year suspended prison sentence

Personal Comments From Aleksandr’s Wife, Larisa a

What is helping your husband to cope with the conditions in the pretrial detention center?

In the course of one year, Aleksandr was moved to 13 different cells. Even though it is not always easy for him to deal with his cellmates, he works very hard to get along with everyone. He often mentions that praying to Jehovah, reading his Bible, and reading the letters he receives helps him to remain strong spiritually. Being separated from his loved ones is the hardest part for him, but Jehovah is supplying him with inner peace.

How has this experience affected your relationship with Jehovah?

I have greater trust in Jehovah today than ever before. Seeing the support He provides me and my husband convinces me of His love for us. Experiencing the care of our brothers and sisters and knowing that they are praying for us moves me to tears.

Valeriy Tibiy

Born: 1977 (Novopokrovka, Crimea)

Biography: Worked as a truck driver

Began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses after learning God’s name. Baptized in 2004

Married Kristina in 2012

Personal Comments From Valeriy’s Wife, Kristina b

How does Valeriy cope with the uncertainties of life in the detention center?

Valeriy often prays for calmness and strength to endure the loud and crowded conditions in his cell. These qualities have not gone unnoticed by his cellmates. They regularly ask him: “How do you manage to stay so calm? You are the most content and cheerful person here!” Valeriy is happy that he has many good conversations with these men, all because Jehovah is helping him to apply Bible principles. His cellmates even ask him for advice. He feels Jehovah’s protection because he is treated with respect.

What Bible verse has taken on special meaning for you during this challenging time?

Throughout this persecution, Proverbs 3:6 has helped me to rely more heavily on Jehovah. There it says: “In all your ways take notice of him, and he will make your paths straight.” Only Jehovah has absolute wisdom. When an issue arises, I have learned the value of turning immediately to the Bible to learn what Jehovah’s viewpoint is on the matter. No matter what has happened, Jehovah has never stopped caring for me.

We thank Jehovah for his loving care and guidance, which makes it possible for us to endure any trial that may come our way.—Psalm 5:12.

Time Line

March 20, 2021

Skvortsovs’ home searched
December 7, 2021

Skvortsovs’ home searched a second time along with 29 other homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Taganrog. He was criminally charged and was placed in temporary detention
December 8, 2021

Aleksandr placed in pretrial detention
March 29, 2022

Criminal case initiated against Valeriy
March 31, 2022

Investigators combined the cases against Aleksandr and Valeriy
May 18, 2022

Valeriy arrested and placed in temporary detention
May 26, 2022

Valeriy placed in pretrial detention
December 6, 2022

Criminal trial began
June 20, 2023

Aleksandr sentenced to seven years in prison. Valeriy given a six-year suspended prison sentence

a b During the preparation of this article, Brothers Skvortsov and Tibiy were in pretrial detention and it was not possible to obtain personal comments from them.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Brothers Skvortsov and Tibiy Convicted

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia