JULY 22, 2022 | UPDATED: JANUARY 30, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Witnesses in Shuya Endure Injustice

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On January 29, 2024, the Shuya City Court of the Ivanovo Region convicted Brother Aleksey Arkhipov, Brother Dmitriy Mikhaylov and his wife, Yelena, and Sisters Svetlana Ryzhkova and Svetlana Shishina. They received fines of 350,000 rubles (3,920 U.S.), 950,000 rubles (10,640 U.S.), 560,000 rubles (6,270 U.S.), 480,000 rubles (5,380 U.S.), and 400,000 rubles (4,480 U.S.) respectively.

Time Line

September 21, 2017

A judge authorized wiretapping of the Mikhaylovs’ phone lines
January 15, 2018

A judge authorized wiretapping and video surveillance of Sister Svetlana Ryzhkova’s home
April 20, 2018

Authorities searched the homes of all five Witnesses
May 29, 2018

Officers arrested Dmitriy and initiated a case against him for financing the operations of an extremist organization. He was placed in pretrial detention
June 22, 2018

Aleksey was added to the case and prohibited from leaving the area
June 27, 2018

Sisters Yelena Mikhaylova, Svetlana Ryzhkova, and Svetlana Shishina were added to the case
November 15, 2018

A court of appeals ordered Dmitriy’s release from pretrial detention after almost six months
August 10, 2021

The criminal trial began
September 16, 2021

The case was returned to the prosecutor for review
May 25, 2022

The criminal trial resumed

Profiles

Aleksey Arkhipov

Born: 1960 (Arkhangelsk, Arkhangelsk Region)

Biography: Served in the army. Worked as a bus driver

Married Natalya in 1984. They raised two children. After retiring, moved to Shuya to take care of Natalya’s elderly parents

Learned Bible truths from a coworker. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2017

Personal Comments

What Bible verses have helped you to keep a positive attitude during this time?

The counsel found at 1 Corinthians 10:24 has helped me. It says: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” This reminds me not to focus so much on my own problems and to think more about others.

Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 5:10-12 are also very encouraging to me: “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake . . . Happy are you when people . . . lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you.” These verses imbue me with courage, endurance, and hope.

Dmitriy Mikhaylov

Born: 1977 (Kupchanovka, Kazakhstan)

Biography: Studied electronics. Has worked as a systems administrator. Enjoys photography and video editing

Learned the truth as a teenager. Baptized in 1993. Married Yelena in 2003

Personal Comments

How were you and your wife able to encourage one another despite being separated during your detainment?

While I was in the detention center, the letters from my dear wife were a particular source of support to me. They were special not just because they came from the person closest to me but, most of all, because they strengthened my love and loyalty to Jehovah and built up my faith and hope. It felt as if Jehovah was helping Yelena to find the right words to comfort me and calm my worries. I later learned from Yelena why her letters were so powerful. Before writing them, she would pray fervently to Jehovah, do research, and carefully consider thoughts from the Bible.

I encouraged Yelena by writing her back and by sharing spiritual gems that I found from my own Bible reading. I told her how Jehovah was strengthening me. I highlighted Jehovah’s blessings and thanked her for her love, self-sacrificing spirit, and readiness to remain loyal to our Father under all circumstances.

Yelena Mikhaylova

Born: 1983 (Shuya)

Biography: After graduating high school, worked as a mathematics and physics tutor

Father died when she was nine years old. Began searching for answers about God’s existence and what happens when a person dies. After finding satisfying answers from the Bible, baptized in 1999. Married Dmitriy in 2003

Personal Comments

What challenges did you face during your husband’s detainment?

I had to work twice as hard to care for my 80-year-old mother-in-law. After Dmitriy’s arrest, her health suddenly declined. Also, the detention center was 35 kilometers (22 mi) from home. Traveling there required a lot of time and energy. Moreover, the investigators constantly summoned me to meet with them, and they pressured and threatened me. Later, they initiated a criminal case against me.

What helped you to cope with these difficulties?

I prayed to my Father and asked specifically for a lot of strength to be able to cope with everything that was going on. I was sleeping poorly from all the stress. Yet, when I woke up each morning, I knew there were a lot of things I needed to do. With Jehovah’s help, I was able to accomplish things that I know I would not have been able to do without him.

Svetlana Shishina

Born: 1975 (Orenburg, Orenburg Region)

Biography: Works as a cosmetologist

Married in 1995. She and her husband have a son and a daughter

At the age of six, acquired a children’s Bible. Years later, learned that God has a name and decided to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 2002

Personal Comments

How has this trial impacted your non-Witness husband?

When the search happened, I worried that he would be extremely upset with me. So you can imagine how surprised I was when my husband hugged me and said: “Do not worry. Everything is going to be OK. We will deal with it.” He couldn’t understand why the authorities were persecuting me. Having his support at that moment, I felt a sense of relief. It was as if a burden had been lifted off my shoulders.

What impressed your husband about the help you received from your fellow believers?

Jehovah moved them to help us materially on more than one occasion. We also received packages that contained groceries. My husband could not understand how and why they would selflessly help us like that, free of charge! I was proud to tell him that Jehovah was the one behind it all. He sees what we need, and he cares for his loyal servants.

The courage and endurance of our dear brothers and sisters in Russia provide ample reason to view them as sources of joy.—1 Thessalonians 2:20.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Witnesses in Shuya Endure Injustice

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Profiles

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