The Case of Vyaznikov in Luchegorsk

Operational-search measures are being carried out, in particular, wiretapping of dialogues between believers from Luchegorsk and embedded operatives who depict interest in the Bible.

Valery Vyaznikov becomes a defendant in a criminal case. The investigation interprets conversations about God as "involving a person in the activities of the religious group Jehovah's Witnesses."

Investigator Sorokina instructs Nadezhda Oleshkevich, associate professor of the Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service, expert to conduct a psychological, linguistic and religious examination.

The case of Valery Vyaznikov is submitted to the Pozharsky District Court of the Primorsky Territory for consideration by Judge Nina Kalashnik. The first hearing is scheduled for February 9.

The court summons prosecution witnesses for questioning. One woman says that she does not know Valery Vyaznikov, while another characterizes him on the positive side. The testimonies of the three witnesses who did not appear were read out.

The questioning of witnesses is ongoing. One of them says that the content of the record of his interrogation does not correspond to what he said to the investigator, and on some pages there is not his signature. Another witness uses Article 51 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

The court reads out the testimony of another witness, and also announces the results of operational-search activities and the conclusion of a comprehensive psychological, linguistic and religious examination.

The study of the case materials continues. Among them is a transcript of an audio recording of a worship service, on which a prayer is heard and biblical prophecies are spoken.

The defendant reads out his written notes. The court announces information about the composition of the Vyaznikov family, a description from the district police officer, a medical report on Valery's occupational diseases.

The prosecutor requests a 3-year suspended sentence for Valery Vyaznikov with restriction of liberty for 1 year.

Valery Vyaznikov makes his last speech.