AUGUST 8, 2022 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 29, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—VERDICT OVERTURNED | Preparation Helped Aleksandr Kabanov Remain Calm

PLAY

On December 27, 2022, the Krasnoyarsk Territory Court overturned Brother Aleksandr Kabanov’s two year and six month suspended prison sentence and requested a new trial. On August 5, 2022, the Zelenogorsk City Court announced its verdict in Brother Kabanov’s case, but it was appealed. He must remain in the region as he awaits the new trial.

The Zelenogorsk City Court of the Krasnoyarsk Territory will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brother Aleksandr Kabanov. The prosecutor has requested a sentence of two years and six months in prison.

Time Line

December 26, 2019

Arrested and charged with participating in the activities of a banned extremist organization, including reading the Bible and talking to others about Jehovah. Placed in a temporary detention facility
December 27, 2019

Released from temporary detention after the judge denied the investigator’s request for pretrial detention
December 6, 2021

Aleksandr gave his concluding comments to the court. Instead of sentencing him, the judge decided to return the case to the investigation stage of the trial, prolonging the proceedings
March 25, 2022

Criminal trial resumed

Profile

Aleksandr Kabanov

Born: 1960 (Kansk, Krasnoyarsk Territory)

Biography: Works as a groundskeeper

After his mother died, Aleksandr had questions: What happens when a person dies? Does he go to hell? Why does God allow suffering? Found comfort and answers to these questions in the Bible. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2004

Personal Comments

What has helped you to endure this trial with joy?

Over the course of this persecution, my relationship with Jehovah and my spiritual routine have been priorities in my life. This has helped me to maintain my joy and not to worry excessively.

I mentally prepared for persecution by meditating on the words recorded in the Bible: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) Thus, I accepted persecution as something that would likely happen to me.

What do you pray for while awaiting the outcome of your trial?

I want to be a good example for the brothers and sisters. I pray that all of us are able to maintain our joy and sense of calm and keep having a share in spiritual activities. I also pray that all of us promote the unity and peace needed to remain faithful and endure to the end.

Our brothers and sisters in Russia are wonderful examples of faith as they live the words of Isaiah 12:2: “Look! God is my salvation. I will trust and feel no dread; for Jah Jehovah is my strength and my might.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—VERDICT OVERTURNED | Preparation Helped Aleksandr Kabanov Remain Calm

Time Line

Profile

You May Also Like

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia