JANUARY 20, 2022 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 19, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Seven Brothers in Russia Find Strength in Their Creator

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On December 17, 2024, the Pechora City Court of the Komi Republic convicted Brothers Nikolay Anufriyev, Eduard Merinkov, Gennadiy Polyakevich, Aleksandr Prilepskiy, Viktor Shchannikov, Gennadiy Skutelets, and Aleksandr Vorontsov. Six of the brothers received a fine. Nikolay, Eduard, Viktor, and Aleksandr Vorontsov were each fined 600,000 rubles ($5,797 U.S.); Gennadiy Skutelets was fined 250,000 rubles ($2,413 U.S.); and Gennadiy Polyakevich was fined 200,000 rubles ($1,931 U.S.). Aleksandr Prilepskiy was found guilty, but his case was dismissed as a result of his death in December 2022.

Time Line

January 28, 2020

Authorities searched the homes of 12 families of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Komi Republic. A criminal case against Brothers Polyakevich and Skutelets was initiated
January 30, 2020

Gennadiy Polyakevich was sent to a pretrial detention center, and Gennadiy Skutelets was placed under house arrest
May 20-25, 2020

Fellow believers from Pechora were interrogated as potential witnesses in the criminal case. After being threatened by an investigator, one brother suffered a stroke. He has since recovered
June 26, 2020

The detention of Gennadiy Polyakevich was extended. The judge stated that Gennadiy Polyakevich is accused of “committing an intentional grave crime,” including speaking about the “need to continue serving Jehovah despite persecution by the authorities”
August 24, 2020

Authorities searched the homes of 12 additional Witness families
November 10, 2020

A criminal case was opened against Aleksandr Prilepskiy, Aleksandr Vorontsov, Eduard, Nikolay, and Viktor. This case was merged with the case against Gennadiy Polyakevich and Gennadiy Skutelets
November 25, 2020

After spending 300 days in a pretrial detention center, Gennadiy Polyakevich was released and placed under house arrest
January 27, 2021

After 363 days under house arrest, Gennadiy Skutelets was released

Profiles

Eduard Merinkov

Born: 1975 (Pechora)

Biography: Since childhood, has enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating on the Pechora River. Works as a railway yardmaster. Baptized in 1993. Married his wife, Valentina, in 1997. They have one daughter, Iolanta

Personal Comments

What is your spiritual routine now, and how is it helping you to cope?

One thing that I am enjoying . . . is memorizing and singing the original songs from [JW Broadcasting]. They help me to feel Jehovah’s support. I sing those songs everywhere—at home, in the car, even while I am at work! I also like Psalm 27 and read it quite often.

What motivates you to never give up?

The fact that the Grand Creator of the universe wants to consider me his friend makes me very happy. No matter what trials might arise, I want to serve Jehovah forever. I am firmly determined to take sides with Jehovah to the very end!

Aleksandr Prilepskiy

Born: 1964 (Pechora)

Biography: Enjoyed playing tennis as a child. Plays guitar. Baptized in 1994. Married his wife, Vera, in 1990. Has one daughter and two grandsons

Personal Comments

What motivates you to endure?

Jehovah’s love and my hope of a remarkable future motivate me to keep on persevering and to remain on the Christian course. Observing our heavenly Father’s creation strengthens me as well.

What advice do you have for others who are preparing for future persecution?

I hope the brothers and sisters continue to make full use of all the spiritual provisions we have available to us. Doing so will help them to remain alert and to love God and his wonderful qualities. Also, it will help them to love one another, to strive to understand each other, and to be forgiving.

Aleksandr Vorontsov

Born: 1984 (Pechora)

Biography: Learned about Jehovah at a young age from his family and friends. Trained as a carpenter. Baptized in 2012. Married his wife, Yelena, in 2016

Personal Comments

Is there something encouraging that a brother or sister has said to you that has helped you to endure?

After a preliminary judicial hearing, a brother told me that he had been praying for me not only before the hearing but also during the hearing. His example reminded me of Nehemiah. I followed this example at my next judicial hearing by praying silently the entire time that I sat in the courtroom.—Nehemiah 2:4.

Is there a Bible account that has helped you to endure?

Esther is an outstanding example for me. She also lived during a time when her people were being persecuted. She needed quite a bit of courage to act in defense of her people. I imagine myself being in Esther’s situation and this helps me when I am standing before the court defending the interests of my fellow believers.

We are confident that our brothers’ faith in Jehovah’s goodness will be rewarded with blessings now and in the future.—Psalm 27:13.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Seven Brothers in Russia Find Strength in Their Creator

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Profiles

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