FEBRUARY 10, 2023 | UPDATED: JULY 14, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Three Brothers on Trial in Moscow Court

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On July 12, 2023, the Savelovskiy District Court of Moscow convicted Brothers Roman Mareyev, Anatoliy Marunov, and Sergey Tolokonnikov. They were given prison sentences of four years and six months, six years and six months, and five years respectively. Anatoliy was immediately taken into custody from the courtroom. Roman and Sergey were already in detention.

Profiles

Roman Mareyev

Born: 1978 (Moscow)

Biography: Worked for the Moscow transit system. Was the primary caretaker for his disabled parents before he was put in the detention center

Began reading the Bible and was fascinated by the accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2002

Personal Comments

What has helped you to stay positive during this long period of detention?

Being put in the pretrial detention center for my faith in God has helped me realize that the foremost way I can praise him is by my conduct. My fellow inmates have the opportunity to spend months observing my actions and reactions. That is why it is critical for me to ask Jehovah daily for his holy spirit so that I can reflect his qualities.

I have learned that living in expectation of trials is often more challenging than actually going through them. We show trust first, then God takes us by the hand and leads us through the “valley of deep shadow.” (Psalm 23:4) The only thing left for me to do is not to let go of his hand. Jehovah always finds a way to strengthen my hope, and that is why I have not lost my peace and joy.

Anatoliy Marunov

Born: 1953 (Izmail, Ukraine)

Biography: Worked as a graphic designer for a newspaper before retiring

Married Alevtina in 1975. They have two sons

Alevtina began studying the Bible and was baptized in 1994. Anatoliy, having worked in the newspaper industry, was initially impressed by the printing quality of the publications Jehovah’s Witnesses produce. He began to show interest in Bible prophecy, and he was baptized in 1999

Personal Comments

How did you prepare for persecution?

My wife and I never assumed that we would not be the target of persecution. So we gave careful attention to every daily text, every article, and everything said at congregation meetings, including the announcements. We try to be attentive to the direction provided and follow it to the letter.

What motivates you to maintain your endurance?

Appreciation for what our dear heavenly Father has already done for me and my family motivates me never to give up. And I am particularly grateful for the future he has promised to all obedient mankind. We know that the end is drawing closer. Giving up now is unthinkable, especially when I consider all the support that I am receiving.

Sergey Tolokonnikov

Born: 1972 (Moscow)

Biography: Worked in security

Married Mariya in 2004. She began studying the Bible in 2003. Sergey was happy to have his questions answered from the Bible and soon joined the study. Both baptized in 2005

Personal Comments from Sergey’s wife, Sister Mariya Pankova a

How are you able to communicate with your husband?

We communicate mainly through letters. His letters include a variety of Bible verses and accounts. And he sends cards and drawings that bring a smile to my face. Recently, I was given permission to visit him twice a month for 90 minutes at a time. It can take up to three hours each way to reach the detention center, so one visit takes an entire day.

What have you learned through this experience?

Both Sergey and I have very clearly seen that no one—be it prosecutors, judges, or investigators—can do anything more than what Jehovah allows them to do. He has absolutely everything under control.

We are grateful for the living examples of faith we have in Roman, Anatoliy, and Sergey. And we are confident that no matter what difficult circumstances we face, we shall “fear no harm,” knowing that Jehovah is with us.—Psalm 23:4.

Time Line

October 20, 2021

Authorities searched eight homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout Moscow. Criminal case initiated against Roman, Anatoliy, and Sergey, accusing them of organizing the activities of an extremist organization and persuading others to participate in its activities. All three brothers placed in temporary detention
October 22, 2021

Roman and Sergey sent to pretrial detention. Anatoliy placed under house arrest
June 17, 2022

The criminal trial began

a During the preparation of this article, Brother Tolokonnikov was in pretrial detention and it was not possible to obtain his personal comments. Sister Pankova retained her maiden name after marriage.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Three Brothers on Trial in Moscow Court

Profiles

Time Line

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