The Case of Maria Ogoreva in Mednogorsky

62-year-old Mariya Ogoreva and her daughter Svetlana are searched by an investigator accompanied by the head of the CPE. The women call the district police officer, who conducts the search in a calmer atmosphere. However, Maria becomes ill and an ambulance is called for her. During the 4-hour search, law enforcement officers seized Bibles, electronic devices and personal records.

Anuar Khasanov, an investigator of the Zelenchuksky Interdistrict Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Karachay-Cherkessia, initiates a criminal case against Maria Ogoreva for participation in the activities of an extremist organization. The woman is suspected of "maintaining contacts with persons professing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, including those living in other regions of the Russian Federation, in order to participate in worship services and study the Holy Scriptures."

Lieutenant of Justice Anuar Khasanov interrogates Mariya Ogoreva as a suspect.

Maria is charged with participating in the activities of an extremist organization.

Investigator Khasanov takes from the believer a recognizance not to leave and proper behavior.

The case goes to the Urup District Court. It is assigned to judge Galina Evsegneeva, who is also considering the case of Alexei Pasynkov.

Judge Yevsegneeva recuses herself. The case is assigned to judge Ida Uzdenova, who previously passed a sentence in a similar case against Irina Perefilyeva.

Judge Ida Uzdenova, following Judge Galina Yevsegneeva, recuses herself. Earlier, they refused to handle the cases of Yulia and Tatyana Pasynkov.

Maria Ogoreva's case is now being considered in the Karachay District Court, almost 80 kilometers from the believer's home. This decision is made by the Supreme Court of the Republic due to the repeated self-recusal of judges. The measure of restraint for the defendant remains unchanged.

The prosecutor reads out the indictment. The defense states that the accusation is not based on any illegal actions of Ogoreva, but only on the fact that she expressed her peaceful religious views. Maria herself says: "I am put on trial solely for my faith in God and Christ. I have never committed the crime of which I am accused... She never had the intent to carry out extremist activities and the motive of enmity or hatred."

The prosecutor requests 3 years of suspended sentence for Maria Ogoreva with a probationary period of 2 years and 6 months of restrictions.

During the debate, the defense states: "We believe that Mariya's rights have been grossly violated," after which it adds: "But despite all the moral damage and searches, which still have a detrimental effect on the health of my client (for which there is evidence), she, on the contrary, shows the opposite qualities of extremism - a respectful attitude, kindness and patience towards her accusers. She does not hold a grudge, because the Bible teaches her so."