JULY 10, 2023
RUSSIA

Three Sisters Convicted in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

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On March 23, 2023, the Centralniy District Court of Komsomolsk-on-Amur convicted Sisters Tatyana Bondarenko, Yelena Nesterova, and Tatyana Svoboda. They each received a suspended prison sentence of five years. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Tatyana Bondarenko

Born: 1960 (Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Khabarovsk Territory)

Biography: Worked as a milling machine operator and later as a housekeeper

Married Vladimir in 1992. They have three sons

Began to study the Bible after learning of God’s purpose for mankind and his promise of a paradise earth. Baptized in 2005

Personal Comments

How have you experienced Jehovah’s help during this difficult time?

My husband, who is not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, was in the hospital when our home was searched. He tried to call me later that day to tell me that the doctors wanted to discharge him, but since the authorities had confiscated my phone, he was not able to reach me. It was not until much later that evening, after the investigation was over, that I was able to get a new phone and call him to explain what had happened. The whole situation was upsetting. But I remembered to ask Jehovah to give me calmness, and he answered my prayer. When my husband and I were finally home that evening, he was so kind and helped me put our house back in order after the search. This experience helped me trust Jehovah even more.

Yelena Nesterova

Born: 1967 (Komsomolsk-on-Amur)

Biography: Worked as an accountant

Had two daughters, one of whom passed away in 1998

Introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses when she hired an attorney who was a Witness. Impressed by their honesty and use of the Bible to answer her questions. Baptized in 1997

Personal Comments

What have you learned through this difficult experience?

I have come to see more clearly that following the counsel we receive about being obedient is so beneficial. Soon after I was criminally charged, a brother suggested that I start working on my final statement. Reading my final statement would not happen until the conclusion of the trial, and I thought to myself, ‘Nothing has even started yet.’ But after praying about it, I decided to go ahead and write out what I wanted to say. Everything with the trial happened so quickly that if I had not been ready in advance, I would not have been prepared to give a proper witness in court. It turns out that listening to the brothers, even when I do not fully understand the reason why, is truly very beneficial.

We pray that Jehovah will continue to bless and strengthen our sisters as they remain faithful under trial.—Ruth 2:12.

Time Line

September 21, 2021

Criminal case initiated against Tatyana Svoboda
October 18, 2021

Tatyana Bondarenko and Yelena Nesterova added to the investigation
October 20, 2021

Homes searched
August 28, 2022

Charges filed
December 28, 2022

Criminal trial began
March 23, 2023

Convicted and given five-year suspended prison sentences

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Three Sisters Convicted in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia