JANUARY 7, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE | Brothers Vladimir Chesnokov, Vladimir Dutkin, and Valeriy Yakovlev Stand Trial for Their Faith in God

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On April 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the Chuvash Republic denied the appeal of Brothers Vladimir Chesnokov, Vladimir Dutkin, and Valeriy Yakovlev. Their fines will now be enforced.

On February 10, 2022, the Kalininskiy District Court of Cheboksary convicted Brothers Chesnokov, Dutkin, and Yakovlev. Brother Dutkin was fined 500,000 rubles ($6,715 U.S.), and Brothers Chesnokov and Yakovlev were each fined 400,000 rubles ($5,372 U.S.). They are not required to go to prison.

Time Line

June 7, 2021

Vladimir Chesnokov and Valeriy Yakovlev were added to the criminal case
December 30, 2020

Vladimir Dutkin was charged and placed under travel restrictions
November 25, 2020

A criminal case was initiated against Vladimir Dutkin, followed by a search of his home. He was taken for interrogation

Profiles

Vladimir Chesnokov

Born: 1959 (Bakhmutovo, Chuvash Republic)

Biography: Graduated from military school as a lieutenant. He and his wife, Nina, raised three sons

While serving in the armed forces, learned about the Bible’s promise that people will “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears.” (Isaiah 2:4) Retired from the armed forces and was baptized in 1993

Personal Comments

What help have you personally received from the brothers?

The brothers and sisters are a great help to us. . . . They took the initiative to find out what financial assistance we might need if our bank cards were blocked. This had a very positive effect on my wife, who does not yet share my beliefs. She is now beginning to see the practical value of applying Bible truths. She has become more favorable toward the truth and no longer tries to keep me from worshipping Jehovah, as she had in the past.

Vladimir Dutkin

Born: 1963 (Novoaltaysk, Altai Territory)

Biography: Grew up playing a variety of sports, including volleyball, football, and hockey. Works as an insurance agent

Studying Bible prophecies convinced him that Jehovah God was behind their fulfillment. Baptized in 2002

Personal Comments

What gives you strength during this challenging time?

After my home was searched, I prayed for joy and wisdom. During this entire time, I have thought about how my fine conduct might work to sanctify Jehovah’s name. . . . These thoughts continue to strengthen me.

[Also, I enjoy] sharing with other brothers and sisters the blessings I am experiencing. I can tell that it is faith-strengthening for them . . . It is great to hear a number of them say that they feel less afraid after seeing my example.

Reading and meditating on God’s inspired Word helps our brothers and sisters to face their daily challenges and to experience Jehovah’s “shelter on the day of calamity.”—Psalm 27:5.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE | Brothers Vladimir Chesnokov, Vladimir Dutkin, and Valeriy Yakovlev Stand Trial for Their Faith in God

Time Line

Profiles

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