OCTOBER 21, 2021 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 26, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—ADDED PENALTY | Joyful Despite Extended Detention and House Arrest in Russia

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On December 22, 2022, the Fourth General Jurisdiction Court of Cassation toughened the sentences for Brothers Rustam Diarov and Sergey Klikunov, and Brother Yevgeniy Ivanov and his wife, Olga. The judge ruled that after serving their prison sentences, they will also be banned from leaving Astrakhan. Our brothers and sister participated in the hearings while in pretrial detention centers via videoconference.

On March 3, 2022, the Astrakhan Regional Court dismissed the appeal of Brothers Rustam Diarov and Sergey Klikunov, and Brother Yevgeniy Ivanov and his wife, Olga. All four remain in prison.

Time Line

October 25, 2021

The Trusovskiy District Court of Astrakhan sentenced Rustam, Yevgeniy, and Sergey to eight years in prison. Yevgeniy’s wife, Olga, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. The three brothers were already in detention. Olga was immediately taken into custody
June 11, 2020

Rustam, Yevgeniy, and Sergey were sent to a pretrial detention facility. Olga was placed under house arrest
June 9, 2020

Over 100 security officials conducted raids on the homes of 27 families of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the city of Astrakhan. Rustam, Yevgeniy, Olga, and Sergey were all placed in temporary detention
June 8, 2020

A criminal case was launched against Rustam, Yevgeniy, Olga, and Sergey. The brothers were all charged with organizing and financing extremist activities. Olga was charged with participation in extremist activities

Profiles

Olga Ivanova

Born: 1982 (Volzhsky, Volgograd Region)

Biography: Learned to play the accordion as a child. Studied linguistics and worked as an English tutor

As a child, feared death. When Olga was a teenager, her mother was contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she taught Olga about the Bible. Baptized in 1997

Personal Comments

What helps you fight discouragement while being separated from your husband?

The example set by Jehovah and Jesus motivates me not to give up. Jehovah parted with his friend Jesus for 33 and a half years for the sake of all mankind, including me. My husband is my best friend, and I really miss him. But we will probably not have to be apart from one another as long as [Jehovah and Jesus were]. I am sure that we will be able to endure everything with Jehovah’s support.

Sergey Klikunov

Born: 1975 (Astrakhan)

Biography: Worked as a welder before his pretrial detention. He and his wife, Irina, began studying the Bible at the same time. Bible principles helped him to quit smoking. Baptized in 2007. They have two daughters. He spends his free time fishing and enjoys playing the guitar

Personal Comments

What is helping you remain faithful during your detention?

Since I have been here, I have started to have greater appreciation for the gift of prayer. This is especially necessary where I am. I have been in a solitary cell for six months now. It is not easy of course, but prayer is helping me to get through everything. When things are particularly difficult, I get on my knees and pour my heart out to our Father. Feelings of comfort and peace soon fill my heart, and I begin to feel better. It is remarkable seeing our Father’s powerful hand. I have complete trust in him, so I am not terrified.

How comforted we are to know that Jehovah is always close to his loyal servants in times of trial.—Psalm 139:5, 10.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—ADDED PENALTY | Joyful Despite Extended Detention and House Arrest in Russia

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Profiles

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