On October 7, 2020, the Mayskiy District Court of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic found Brother Yuriy Zalipayev not guilty and acquitted him of all charges. The prosecution has ten days to appeal.

The prosecution claimed Brother Zalipayev was guilty of inciting others to violence. However, over 30 people testified that he did nothing more than encourage others to read the Bible and to show warmth and kindness to all people.

The court’s “not guilty” ruling was also based on recent conclusions by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that confirmed that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not practice or promote violence in any manner.

After the verdict announcement, Brother Zalipayev stated: “My family and friends were all prepared for the worst. Thanks to Jehovah, I did not feel pressure during the trial. I am very happy and grateful to everyone who defended my innocence.”