During his appeal hearing on Thursday, May 16, 2019, Dennis was able to speak in his defense for nearly an hour. The following is the transcript (translated from Russian) of Dennis’ powerful address to the court:

This [principle] was uttered many years ago by one terrible man: ‘The more often a lie is repeated, the more true it becomes’—in other words, a lie repeated a thousand times becomes the truth. That lie, which some attempted to pass off as truth, led to much trouble and caused harm to many innocent people.

All of this was in the past, and it is commonly thought these days that educated people in the 21st century have learned to draw lessons from history.

But it seems that this is not the case. These methods are again used in this trial against me and against other Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. And again, this lie leads to much trouble and causes harm to many innocent people.

In my case, this lie consists of the allegations that I supposedly continued the activity of the prohibited Oryol Local Religious Organization (LRO) of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which was declared extremist by a court, and that I supposedly acted in secrecy for this purpose.

This accusation has been repeated throughout the trial, over and over again, without any evidence. In this way, it seems they have tried to make that lie the truth.

The truth is that I have never had anything to do with the Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Yes, I certainly am a believer—one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. My friends and I attended different religious services conducted by a religious group that had nothing to do with the Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and these actions were completely lawful in accordance with Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

I did not continue the activity of the banned Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses and did not violate any Russian laws. I have never been involved in anything extremist.

Many have asked me: “Why are peaceful Jehovah’s Witnesses portrayed as extremists, and what exactly is their so-called extremism?” My answer is: “I do not know!”

Jehovah’s Witnesses love their neighbors as themselves. They try to do good deeds for society (to benefit society). They are honest people who obey government laws and pay taxes. What is their “extremism?” I personally do not know, and during these judicial proceedings, I still have not received an answer to this question.

I am accused of continuing the activity of a small legal entity that was composed of approximately ten members and that was declared extremist by the court. When and how did I continue the activity of this legal entity? What exactly is my extremist activity?

I did not receive a single answer to these questions during the judicial proceedings. And do you know why? Because they are trying to make a lie true by repeating it over and over again!

Here in Russia, someone is trying really hard to portray peaceful Jehovah’s Witnesses as extremists, but it is not fair, and it has nothing to do with the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not extremists. And do you know why?

First of all, Jehovah’s Witnesses never take up arms and do not take part in violent conflicts. During World War II in Germany, they sacrificed their lives by refusing to serve in the Wehrmacht, the German military. They did not go to the Eastern Front and did not kill Soviet soldiers.

In the USSR, Jehovah’s Witnesses were subjected to harsh persecution and were branded anti-communist enemies of the people. But they did not hate their persecutors.

Jehovah’s Witnesses today are united in a worldwide brotherhood made up of individuals from different nations and peoples. They live in peace and harmony with one another. This proves that, although we are all different, it is possible to overcome the differences that divide mankind.

Second, in no place in the world, other than Russia, are Jehovah’s Witnesses accused of extremism. Jehovah’s Witnesses operate freely and peacefully in more than 200 lands around the world. They are known as peaceful people who have absolutely nothing to do with extremism.

They are all united by one teaching, based on the Bible, that encourages them to show good qualities, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, [mildness], and self-control.

In the Bible, these qualities are called the “fruitage of the spirit,” and such qualities do not create problems in society. These qualities have nothing in common with extremism. Rather, they benefit all people.

Third, the application of Russia’s Law on Counteracting Extremist Activity to Jehovah’s Witnesses has been condemned by Russian human rights specialists. Many of them have clearly stated that it is a disgrace to the reputation of Russia as a democratic state ruled by law. These respected specialists would not have condemned the application of the law if there had been any signs of extremism among Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Fourth, the international community has also condemned the application of the Law on Counteracting Extremist Activity to Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe urges Russian authorities to stop using this law against Jehovah’s Witnesses. The U.N. Human Rights Committee has repeatedly expressed concern that in Russia the law on counteracting extremism is being directed against Jehovah’s Witnesses, and peaceful and innocent people are being persecuted as a result.

Jesus Christ warned his followers: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) a In the end, he was convicted and killed based on the false accusation of extremism, which was a gross injustice.

But we are not living in the first century, and not even in the Middle Ages. We live in the 21st century, at a time with human rights and freedom of religion—rights that all people should have equally.

Is it really possible to forbid a person from believing in God and then to imprison him for it? I believe that is wrong. That happens only in totalitarian countries, not in democratic states ruled by law, which I hope Russia is, or at least is striving to be.

During these judicial proceedings, I heard that some in Russia consider it extremist when someone believes that his faith is the true one and openly professes it. This is totally illogical because all religious people believe that they have the true religion. Why would they continue to profess their religion if they do not believe it is the true religion?

If this argument is enough to declare someone extremist, then Jesus Christ also fits this definition. He told Pontius Pilate: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.”—John 18:37.

This means that [Bible] truth exists. Jesus preached about the truth and taught it to his disciples. He did not mean truth in general. Rather, he spoke about the truth regarding God’s purposes. Basically, God’s purpose is for Jesus, “the son of David” (his descendant), to serve as High Priest and Ruler of God’s Kingdom.

Jesus explained that his main purpose for coming to the earth and for his earthly life and ministry was to proclaim the truth about that Kingdom. Do people today consider Jesus an extremist just because he preached about the truth?

Jehovah’s Witnesses follow his example and preach about the truth, which is written in the Bible, that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to all human problems. They share what is written in God’s Word, the Bible, with all people.

Jesus once said in prayer to God: “Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Therefore, it is important for all people to learn the truth from the Bible. It is beneficial and has nothing to do with extremism.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are not alone in appreciating the Bible. Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov said: “The Creator gave the human race two books. In one He revealed His majesty, and in the other—His will. The first is the visible world, which He created . . . The second book is Holy Scripture.”

Without a doubt, Lomonosov carefully studied the Holy Scriptures and he was correct. We can learn much about God from observing his creation. And we can learn even more about him if we read, study, and examine his Word, the Bible.

The Bible says about itself that: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, . . . for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) For every good work!

At the Christian meetings, which I attended and participated in and which were conducted by a religious group that has no connection to the legal entity Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses, we discussed exactly how we could perform good works for people.

In the two video files of our worship services on February 19 and 26, 2017, which we viewed in court, it was clear that no signs of extremism were seen or heard whatsoever. We discussed Biblical thoughts that are very beneficial for all people. The religious services were peaceful and joyful, which is typical of meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The Biblical thoughts we discussed do not harm society. On the contrary, they bring great help and comfort to many people. For those who are mourning their dead loved ones, the Bible contains this comforting promise: “And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing.”—1 Corinthians 15:26.

Death is an enemy for every person but it is not such a frightening enemy for God. He promises at Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.”

Imagine that time! There will no longer be funerals or cemeteries. Tears of joy will replace tears of sorrow when God fulfills his amazing promise to resurrect the dead. Finally, the countless wounds caused by death will heal.

These thoughts mean so much to me personally because I have lost many people dear to me. During my time in detention, a person close to me, who was of great importance to me, died—my grandmother, Helga Margrethe Christensen.

She was the first in my family to study the Bible and to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She first taught the truth from the Bible to my father and then to me. Many people who knew her—neighbors, colleagues, family—loved and respected her.

She also loved and respected everyone, irrespective of their faith, nationality, or skin color. She tried to help everybody, and she performed good deeds for her neighbors. Unfortunately, some would probably call her an extremist. But most thinking people would disagree with them.

I am waiting for the day when God will bring her back to life, and we will meet again. I, unfortunately, could not attend her funeral. I could not console my family during this difficult time, since I was in the detention center because of these ridiculous extremism charges.

The Bible’s hope of a resurrection of the dead comforts me and assures me that I did not lose her forever and that one day we will see each other again on a cleansed earth under the rule of God’s Kingdom. If this hope can help and comfort me, I am convinced that it can help and comfort others.

Another Biblical thought discussed at our meetings was the future paradise on earth, where there will be enough food for all and peace among all people; where no one will be sick, as recorded in the prophecy of Isaiah 33:24: “And no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’ The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error.”

Can sharing these promises with others be harmful to society? On the contrary, these promises can give people hope and bring them joy. Jesus himself said: “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”—Luke 11:28.

To believe this or not is everyone’s personal choice. God does not force anyone to serve him. At Jeremiah 29:11, his words are recorded: “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’”

God offers to all of us the best way of life—to develop a close relationship with him. Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting people to choose this best way, the way to a close friendship with God that leads to eternal life. None of this has anything to do with extremism. What is my “extremist activity,” and why do they want to give me six years in prison?

I did not act like a criminal or an extremist. My neighbors, my community patrolman, and the detention center officers speak well of me. Therefore, I once again want to ask this question: “What is my ‘extremist activity,’ and why do they want to give me six years in prison?”

I do not understand this, and for the past two years, I have not been able to understand this. Perhaps the Court of Appeals will be able to provide specific answers to my questions, because the trial court did not answer them for me.

As I have already stated, we live in the 21st century, not the Middle Ages. Humanity has made some progress. But it is very sad that people in Russia are being persecuted again just because of their faith, and they are even being tortured for their faith.

On February 15, 2019, during the interrogation of seven Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Investigative Committee in Surgut used torture in order to get the answers they wanted to hear. The believers were not allowed to exercise Article 51 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation so as not to testify against themselves and their loved ones, although this article of the Constitution applies equally to all people in Russia.

They were forced to their knees with their arms raised, hit on the head and body, humiliated on national and religious grounds; a bag was put over their head and sealed with tape around their neck so that they could not breathe, their hands were tied behind their back, and their legs were also tied. They were shouted at and forced to make certain statements. Several times, some of the believers felt close to death and lost consciousness due to suffocation. Then water was poured on them, and they were shocked with a stun gun.

All of this was carefully documented by an expert study, but not a single criminal case against the Investigative Committee has been initiated. Responsible persons simply turn a blind eye or claim that the believers themselves caused the injuries. But this is just ridiculous! It is a monstrous lie!

All of this brings disgrace upon the modern history of Russia, and I hope that the perpetrators will be tried and punished. How can they do this to people? How can they use the same terrible, sadistic methods used by Hitler and Stalin? I hope that this is not the case. I sincerely hope that it was a mistake that will be corrected soon!

The trial court ruling reads: “Continuing the activity of a religious association that was liquidated by an enforceable court decision because of carrying out extremist activity is in itself a crime, a criminally punishable extremist act.” This is understandable. But what does this have to do with me?

None of this has anything to do with me! I have never had anything to do with the Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In no way have I continued their activity.

All of my actions were related to my Christian life in a religious group that had nothing to do with the legal entity—Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All of my actions were lawful and in accordance with Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

I have never considered my actions to be a continuation of the “illegal” activity of the Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In one of my telephone conversations, which we also heard in court, I said to my friend: “We are a religious group. We are not associated with the LRO or with the Administrative Center.”

The trial court disregarded this and instead used the false testimony of secret witness A. P. Yermolov, an FSB agent. The appellate court can verify that A. P. Yermolov is actually Oleg Gennadyevich Kurdyumov.

At first, Oleg Kurdyumov stated in his testimony to the investigator that he knew nothing and exercised Article 51 of the Russian Constitution. The next day, he gave different testimony using the pseudonym A. P. Yermolov. Later, he gave more testimony under this pseudonym.

In court, when we viewed the two video files of our Christian worship services from February 19 and 26, 2017, which had nothing to do with the Oryol LRO of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it was clear that Oleg Kurdyumov was the one who secretly filmed and recorded these religious services. It was funny to watch how obvious it was that he had the camera. The camera moved when he moved and when someone approached him, you could clearly hear him say, “Hello, my name is Oleg.”

This means that, at first, he works as a secret agent for the FSB, filming and recording our religious services. Then, he appears with his real name and claims that he doesn’t know anything. The next day, he is lying, using his pseudonym—a lie that he repeats in court, acting as a secret witness. Is this fair?

FSB agents, by law, do not have the right to testify secretly in court. But the prosecution, the prosecutor’s office, and the trial court judge simply closed their eyes to this and allowed him to give false testimony. Now, this testimony is being used against me. I just cannot understand how the trial court could allow this.

It is even more confusing to me how the prosecution—the prosecutor’s office—could allow all of that. It should guarantee compliance with all Russian laws and not allow any of them to be violated. But it did allow this to happen by simply closing their eyes to all of it.

I am asking the appellate court to understand me correctly. I have nothing against these people personally. I am sure that they are good and nice people with whom I would love to drink a cup of coffee with in the future, and we will laugh together about all of this. But I am not happy with the poor quality of their work, which has been just horrible, to say the least.

I understand that for the trial court it was very convenient to use such a secret false witness who is an FSB agent, since this secret witness does not have a conscience, can easily lie and bend the truth, and tell the court anything for the purpose of convicting me.

Such a witness cannot be trusted and cannot be considered a trustworthy source of information. It cannot be right to use such false witnesses to send innocent people to prison.

About two years ago, I told the court during one of the many court hearings regarding the extension of my pretrial detention, “I am asking you to give me back my life!” I am still asking for this.

Concerning my detention, I have the feeling that they do not just want to isolate me from society and convict me. They want to isolate me from the public to keep attention from being drawn to these judicial proceedings.

Actually, I consider my permanent detention unlawful and inhumane. Its purpose is to deprive me of the opportunity to defend myself well and to publicly present to the media my view of what is happening. But that time will definitely come!

Yes, I want you to give me back my life so that I can again live peacefully and quietly in this beautiful city with my wife, Irina. For almost two years, I have not had a life of my own. I have lived a life that others have chosen for me.

The FSB slandered me and threw mud on my good name. They falsified documents and expert studies and used false and secret witnesses who lied in court against me.

They have done all of this to make a peaceful believer out to be an extremist who is dangerous to others and to Russian national security. In fact, these accusations are funny and absurd.

It is sad that the trial court supported these accusations and ignored the facts. Honorable Judge, please stop this misunderstanding and establish the truth. I ask you, “Give me back my life!”

As I said three months ago in the trial court: “The only outcome in these judicial proceedings that I would agree with is to be acquitted and released and to receive an apology and compensation. I would not agree to anything less!” I still feel the same.

Any other decision would be unfair and I would appeal it further to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. There I would definitely win this case.

After that, the European Court of Human Rights, people all over the world, and certainly many high-ranking officials in Russia, including Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, will be surprised and wonder why the court in Oryol could not see what is so clear to all—that this trial against me was built on a lie that they tried to make true by repeating it over and over again.

Is it really necessary to travel such a long path to receive justice? If the appellate court today considers it to be necessary, then I gladly want to inform you and all those present today, as well as those who are following this court case, “I am ready for this!”

I will not give up because I know that I am not guilty of these accusations and that the truth is on my side. I am not afraid to be sent to a penal colony, although that would be a completely unfair decision.

I am not afraid, and I am not worried. I feel inner peace and calm. My God, Jehovah, will never leave me, and I already see the fulfilment of these beautiful words:

For God is not unrighteous,

And he remembers the love I’ve shown.

So he is ever near me;

With Jehovah, I’m not alone.

Yes, God is my provider

and my protector down to the end.

Yes, Jehovah is my Father,

My God and Friend.

That’s all. Thank you for listening to me!