APRIL 23, 2024 | UPDATED: FEBRUARY 7, 2025
RUSSIA
UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED AFTER APPEAL | Grateful to Serve Jehovah
On February 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of the Udmurtian Republic changed the suspended prison sentences previously imposed on Brothers Yevgeniy Stefanidin and Aleksandr Votyakov following an appeal. The brothers will now serve prison sentences of six years and six years and six months respectively. They were taken into custody from the courtroom.
On October 25, 2024, the Pervomayskiy District Court of Izhevsk in the Udmurtian Republic convicted Brothers Yevgeniy Stefanidin and Aleksandr Votyakov. They were given suspended prison sentences of six years and six years and six months respectively. They are not required to go to prison at this time.
Profiles
Like Aleksandr and Yevgeniy, we consider it a great privilege to ‘fearlessly render sacred service’ to Jehovah all our days.—Luke 1:74, 75.
Time Line
April 14, 2021
Security forces conducted a search of Yevgeniy’s house
December 13, 2022
Criminal case initiated against Aleksandr and Yevgeniy
December 14, 2022
Officers searched both homes. Aleksandr sent to a temporary detention facility. Yevgeniy placed under travel restrictions
December 15, 2022
Aleksandr released from temporary detention and placed under house arrest
June 9, 2023
Aleksandr released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
August 17, 2023
Criminal trial began
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