The Case of Sokolov in Zeya

The investigator of the FSB of Russia in the Amur Region, M. N. Isaev, decides to conduct an outpatient psychiatric forensic examination of Yevgeny Sokolov.
Within its framework, experts must determine, among other things, whether the suspect needs to be subjected to compulsory medical measures.

Yevgeny Sokolov learns that on December 15, 2022, a second criminal case was opened against him - in the city of Zeya, Amur Region. He is again charged under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - he is charged with "preparing and conducting religious meetings."

Investigator of the FSB of Russia in the Voronezh region I. O. Chekurov acquaints Sokolov and his lawyer with the decision on the appointment of an outpatient psychiatric forensic examination. After that, Chekurov interrogates Yevgeny.

Since the defendant lives in Voronezh, and the court hearings in his second case are held in Zeya, the defense file a motion for the hearings via video conferencing. The judge refuses to satisfy, citing a 6-hour time difference between these cities.

The prosecutor reads out the indictment, and the defendant Sokolov reads out his attitude towards it. The written materials of the case are examined - volumes 1 and 2.

A witness who does not confirm her acquaintance with the defendant and enjoys the right not to testify against herself and her relatives is being interrogated.

Announcement of written materials of the 3rd to the 11th volumes of the case, including the conclusions of experts from religious studies and psychological-linguistic examinations.

Two witnesses confirm that they did not hear from the defendant calls for violent actions against any religious group of people, as well as calls to commit any illegal actions against them.

The first to be questioned is witness Natalia Grebneva, who, at the request of the FSB, made audio and video recordings of Jehovah's Witnesses worship services. She informs the court that she knows the defendant and saw him at such a meeting once 6 years ago.

The second witness, FSB officer Nikolay Korendov, who conducted the ORM, cannot confirm Sokolov's participation in the LRO of Jehovah's Witnesses in Zeya. He also does not see the difference between religious activities and the activities of a legal entity.

The court is reviewing two records of worship. The defendant draws attention to the fact that they do not indicate that this is a meeting of the local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses in the city of Zeya, and believers read texts from various translations of the Bible, including the Synodal, which is used in various Christian denominations.

The court satisfies the defense's request for Sokolov's participation in further hearings via videoconferencing.

The prosecutor requests for Yevgeny Sokolov a sentence of imprisonment for 3 years with deprivation of the right to engage in activities related to participation in the work of public organizations for a period of 3 years, with additional restriction of liberty for 6 months.

"All attempts to prevent Jehovah's Witnesses from serving our God Jehovah will be unsuccessful," Yevgeny Sokolov speaks in court with his last word.