JANUARY 27, 2022 | UPDATED: MAY 29, 2025
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | Two Brothers See Jehovah’s Hand and Remain Courageous

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On May 27, 2025, the Kirsanovskiy District Court of the Tambov Region convicted Brother Anton Kuzhelkov and gave him a suspended prison sentence of six and a half years. He is not required to go to prison at this time. The court proceedings against Brother Nikolay Prokhorov were dropped due to his ongoing battle with cancer.

Time Line

December 21, 2020

A criminal case was opened against Anton and Nikolay for organizing the activities of an extremist organization
December 24, 2020

Investigators searched 19 locations, including Anton’s home. Anton was taken to a location 350 kilometers (217 mi) from his home for interrogation. Nikolay was interrogated and then ordered not to leave the area
December 25, 2020

Anton was not allowed to return home and was sent to a pretrial detention center
August 30, 2021

Anton was transferred to another detention center

Profiles

Anton Kuzhelkov

Born: 1993 (Sortavala, Republic of Karelia)

Biography: The oldest of three boys. As a child, enjoyed fishing and snowboarding. Learned construction from his father

Baptized in 2007. Married Alyona in 2015

Personal Comments From Anton’s Wife, Alyona a

What challenges have you faced while trying to visit Anton?

When we were allowed to have brief visitations, I would go see the investigator to obtain his permission twice a month. That was always a very nerve-racking experience. Also, if I wanted to go into the detention center, I first needed to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Those tests are expensive.

All visitations are now on hold, which is disappointing. On the other hand, his court hearings have started, and for the time being, they are allowing me into the courtroom. But the trial is taking place in a city 100 kilometers (62 mi) from my home.

What is helping your husband cope with being in detention?

Specific, heartfelt prayer and, at times, tearful supplication are helping him to cope. In every situation he faces, he sees Jehovah’s hand at work. . . . He also tries to enjoy creation. For example, he often observes the birds when he goes for walks in the yard. . . . He meditates about the Creator’s wisdom and on Jesus’ illustration about the sparrows. . . . These things are helping him to maintain his joy.

Nikolay Prokhorov

Born: 1964 (Morshan, Tambov Region)

Biography: Served in the military. Enjoys swimming and traveling

Married Yelena in 2008. They have a son and a daughter. Began to study the Bible after admiring the good conduct of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 2008

Personal Comments

Can you relate a specific time you felt Jehovah’s help?

Even in [my] most trying moments, Jehovah has always provided [me] with his powerful support. . . . I found myself alone with government agents whose goal was to get me to cooperate or, at the very least, admit to “committing a crime.” . . . There was a moment when I was sitting and wondering if I could faithfully cope with my fears. I turned to Jehovah in prayer and asked him for strength and inner peace. Noticing that I had bowed my head in prayer, one of the officers asked, “What are you praying about?” I said, “I am asking not to begin pitying myself.” I then recalled Isaiah 54:17. I realized that there was nothing they could do to me. This filled me with confidence that even the agents noticed. Eventually, they stopped trying to intimidate me. They even asked me not to hold a grudge against them.

In what ways have your fellow worshippers helped you and your wife?

The congregation played a large role in providing assistance. At the risk of receiving the attention of government agencies, many in the congregation reached out to us. Also, we received telephone calls from all over Russia and beyond.

Everyone rallied together during that challenging time. During the court hearings, they were there to support us . . . This display of genuine love by our Christian brotherhood provided a fine witness to those involved in the trial. This support has undoubtedly helped my wife and me to remain resolute [during this difficult time].

We are certain that Jehovah will continue to give courage and support to our dear brothers and sisters facing persecution.—Proverbs 1:33.

a Brother Kuzhelkov is currently in pretrial detention. It was not possible to obtain comments from him.

Jehovah’s Witnesses