NOVEMBER 21, 2023
RUSSIA

Suspended Sentences Imposed on Four Witnesses in Tula, Russia

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On November 20, 2023, the Proletarskiy District Court of Tula convicted Brothers Yevgeniy Godunov and Gurami Labadze and Sisters Yuliya Popkova and Anzhela Putivskaya. Yevgeniy and Gurami each received a suspended prison sentence of six years and six months. Yuliya and Anzhela each received a suspended prison sentence of two years and six months. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Gurami Labadze

Born: 1963 (Nigvzara, Georgia)

Biography: Worked as an auto mechanic and taxi driver

Introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses by his mother and older sister. Appreciated the good results of applying Bible principles in his life. Impressed by the love among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 1996

Married Galina in 1995. They have one son

Personal Comments

Why was it challenging for you to accept help from others?

Initially, it was hard because I knew that many assisting me were not well-off themselves. But I reflected on Jesus’ words: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) I realized that I should allow my brothers and sisters to give because I want them to feel happy. I thought to myself: ‘How would the poor widow have felt if Jesus, out of pity, had told her to keep her two coins for herself?’ (Mark 12:41-44) I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for how well the brothers have cared for me. These unusual circumstances have drawn me closer to Jehovah. I am not just reading someone else’s story. I am experiencing his support personally.

Yuliya Popkova

Born: 1978 (Bogoroditsk, Tula Region)

Biography: Worked in a daycare center

A classmate invited her to a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Began to study the Bible and learned to view Jehovah as a loving Father. Baptized in 1999

Personal Comments

How did your relationship with Jehovah help you while you were in the pretrial detention center?

As soon as I arrived at the pretrial detention center, it was clear that the most valuable thing I had was my relationship with Jehovah. Just being busy with spiritual activities is not the same as developing a relationship with Jehovah. Since I had worked hard to develop that relationship before these trials, I was able to see this as a special opportunity to prove to Jehovah that I wanted to be a faithful and loyal friend to him. Knowing how much he cherishes my loyalty strengthened my resolve to keep walking down this path to the end. In reality, there is only one thing I am afraid of, and that is disappointing Jehovah.

The examples of these brothers and sisters convince us that by relying on Jehovah and following the examples of faith found in the Scriptures, we too will find comfort and hope.—Romans 15:4.

Time Line

March 25, 2021

Criminal case initiated
April 13, 2021

Homes searched. Anzhela and Yuliya detained
April 14, 2021

Anzhela and Yuliya sent to a pretrial detention center. Yevgeniy detained and charged. Gurami placed under house arrest
April 16, 2021

Yevgeniy sent to a pretrial detention center
May 20, 2021

Anzhela, Yevgeniy, and Yuliya released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
July 22, 2021

Anzhela, Yevgeniy, and Yuliya released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
July 23, 2021

Gurami released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
May 11, 2023

Criminal trial began
November 20, 2023

Convicted and given suspended prison sentences

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Suspended Sentences Imposed on Four Witnesses in Tula, Russia

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia