MAY 3, 2022 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 19, 2024
RUSSIA
UPDATE—SENTENCES CHANGED | Strengthened Through Prayer
On December 17, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Udmurtian Republic sentenced Brothers Sergey Gobozev and Mikhail Potapov to six years in prison following an appeal. The court handed down this decision despite Sergey paying the fine imposed in March 2024. Sergey was immediately taken into custody from the courtroom.
On March 25, 2024, the Votkinskiy District Court of the Udmurtian Republic convicted Brothers Sergey Gobozev and Mikhail Potapov. They received fines of 450,000 rubles ($4,855 U.S.) and 400,000 rubles ($4,316 U.S.) respectively.
Time Line
January 20, 2021
A criminal case was opened against Sergey and Mikhail, charging them with organizing the activities of an extremist organization
January 21, 2021
Sergey’s apartment was searched. Authorities confiscated personal belongings, such as his driver’s license, car documents, electronic devices, photo album, and various translations of the Bible. Authorities arrested Mikhail and searched his home
January 22, 2021
Sergey was placed under house arrest. Mikhail was transferred to a pretrial detention facility
May 18, 2021
Sergey was released from house arrest but remained under travel restrictions
May 19, 2021
Mikhail was released from pretrial detention and placed under travel restrictions
October 7, 2021
The trial began
Profiles
We are confident that Jehovah will continue to support Sergey and Mikhail as they endeavor to strengthen their faith through Bible study and prayer.—Colossians 2:6, 7.
You May Also Like
NEWS RELEASES
Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia have been imprisoned for their faith. Learn their history, and get a printable list of any Witnesses currently in prison.