MAY 24, 2022
RUSSIA

Steadfast Despite Sentencing in Sochi

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On March 28, 2022, the Khostinskiy District Court of Sochi announced its verdict in the case involving Brothers Vladimir Deshko, Yuriy Loginskiy, and Yuriy Moskalev and Sister Tatyana Velizhanina. Brother Deshko was sentenced to one year and four months in prison, and Sister Velizhanina was sentenced to one year and five months in prison. Both had already served their full sentences in pretrial detention and are not required to go to prison at this time. Brothers Loginskiy and Moskalev each received a suspended prison sentence of two years. They are also not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

March 24, 2021

All four were arrested and placed in temporary detention. They were charged with taking part in the activities of an extremist organization
March 26, 2021

Brother Deshko and Sister Velizhanina were sent to a pretrial detention center 400 kilometers (249 mi) away. Brothers Loginskiy and Moskalev were placed under house arrest
February 3, 2022

Brother Deshko was released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
March 3, 2022

Criminal trial began
March 4, 2022

Sister Velizhanina was released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest

Profiles

Yuriy Loginskiy

Born: 1966 (Sochi, Krasnodar Territory)

Biography: Works in construction as a tile layer. Married his wife, Svetlana, in 1987. They have one son

Baptized along with his wife in 1996

Personal Comments

What limitations did house arrest place on you?

I was only allowed to take a two-hour walk each day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. These restrictions meant that I could not work. I was also prohibited from sending or receiving letters or telegrams and from using any other means of communication, including the Internet.

How do you feel Jehovah has supported your family?

Jehovah is not only concerned about me, but he is also showing concern for my dear wife and son. . . . Jehovah understands that each family member works to support one another. This is precisely why a spiritually strong family can overcome any trial.

Yuriy Moskalev

Born: 1964 (Yeginsu, Kazakhstan)

Biography: Served in the army and later with the Sochi police force before becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Lost his parents and two brothers in death. Married his wife, Nadezhda, in 1987. They have one daughter

After comparing Bible teachings with the teachings of the Orthodox Church, he began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 2005. His wife was baptized one year later

Personal Comments

What have you learned while enduring these trials?

Life goes on, and I need to live it in a way that is pleasing to Jehovah. I have the goal of staying the course because the reward is yet ahead. I do not need to constantly think about what bad things may still take place. I need to remember that Jehovah is by my side. . . . Even if things do not work out in my favor, I know that Jehovah still has everything under control. Jehovah will not abandon me, no matter where I may find myself.

We trust Jehovah will continue to strengthen and support his loyal servants, giving them all they need to endure these burdensome last days.—Psalm 89:21.

a b It was not possible to obtain personal comments.

Jehovah’s Witnesses