Life in prison

Found: 171

Sviridov Eduard
ИК № 2 по Республике Татарстан
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until April 2026)
Transfer of a prisoner
Eduard Sviridov is in penal colony No. 2 in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Other
Eduard Sviridov is held in a barrack for 130 people. The believer has good relations with the administration and the other prisoners. Recently, the believer worked in a workshop where he was packaging meat products. Working from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. almost without days off, was difficult for him. Eduard can read the Bible. However, he is missing letters of support, because there is a problem in the penal colony with passing them on.
Timeline
Ivanov Yevgeniy
ИК № 2 по Республике Татарстан
Sentence: 8 years
(until July 2027)
Transfer of a prisoner
Yevgeniy Ivanov is in penal colony No. 2 in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Letters
In the penal colony, Yevgeniy Ivanov is working in the boiler room and training to be an electrician at the same time. In his free time, he reads books and magazines from the penal colony's library, especially the magazine "Vokrug Sveta" (Around the World). However, his eyesight has deteriorated in prison. After a long pause in receiving correspondence, the believer has started receiving letters again. Visits from relatives serve as a great support for him.
Timeline
Gromov Sergey
ИК № 2 по Республике Татарстан
Sentence: 6 years and 1 month
(until April 2027)
Transfer of a prisoner
Sergey Gromov is in penal colony No. 2 in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Other
Sergey Gromov is held in a barracks designed for 130 people. The premises are warm, there is hot water, he can shower twice a week. Sergey had gloomy ideas about what life would be in the penal colony, but he learned to see the positive things: on the territory are growing spruce and pine trees, you can hear cuckoos and magpies, and meet cats. The believer reads a lot. He borrows some books from the penal colony's library — for example, the works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gorky — others are sent to him by his relatives. He has a Bible.
Timeline
Semenov Yevgeniy
ИК № 11 по Пермскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until January 2029)
Court of Cassation
The Fifth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Pyatigorsk leaves the verdict unchanged. The lawyer asks for Semyonov's acquittal and points out that "neither the indictment nor the final decisions in the case contain quotations or excerpts from extremist materials that the defendant would reproduce; No facts of distribution of any prohibited materials by the convict are given." The court does not take into account these and other arguments of the defense.
Other
Yevgeniy Semenov is kept in a unit with about 100 people. He finds the conditions tolerable. He can take a shower every day, call relatives and shop in the store. His health is fine. Yevgeniy started working in the greenhouse, growing vegetables and has signed up for training as a cook. Reading the Bible and corresponding with friends helps him remain calm and confident.
Timeline
Votyakov Aleksandr
ИК № 17 по Кировской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until April 2031)
Letters
Aleksandr Votyakov continues to work in the sewing industry, but now as an ordinary employee - after the merger of the two detachments, only one foreman was left. He has a Bible, letters are regularly transmitted.
Other
The barracks where Votyakov is kept are warm, he considers the conditions acceptable; there are about 70 people in the unit. The believer is completing his inhouse training (sewing); he has been appointed a foreman in the workshop. The food in the penal colony is satisfactory. Aleksandr misses his wife and worries about her (she has health problems and currently has no work).
Timeline
Parfenovich Sergey
ИК № 8 по Астраханской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until April 2029)
Strict conditions of detention
Sergey Parfenovich is back in the PKT. Since February 2025, he has been placed several times in the SHIZO, SUS and PKT. During this time, he managed to visit almost all the cells. The believer keeps in shape with exercises. He remains emotionally balanced and cheerful. In January, a personal copy of the Bible was returned to the believer. Recently, his wife and sons visited him in the colony.
Court of Cassation
The Fourth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Krasnodar upholds the verdict and the appeal ruling — Parfenovich and Gerashchenko remain in penal colonies. The convicted persons attend the hearing via videoconference. They ask the court to acquit them. Their wives, who speak at the hearing, as well as the believers' lawyer, motion for the same. Marina Parfenovich states: "There is no malicious or criminal intent at all; there was no intent to cause socially dangerous consequences... there were no negative consequences for the citizens of the Krasnogvardeyskoye village or others. On the contrary, those who attended [the meeting for worship] behaved peacefully, friendly, no one said a bad word against any religion, authority or anyone else. It is a peaceful event that proves that there is no extremism among Jehovah's Witnesses." The court ignores these and other arguments.
Timeline
Tsikunov Aleksandr
ИК № 40 по Кемеровской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until November 2030)
Other
Aleksandr suffers from hypotension, which makes him feel weak. He has nosebleeds, once he lost consciousness. Tsikunov is receiving medication, but he needs a doctor's consultation and treatment adjustment. Given the state of health of the believer, he is not involved in snow removal. Tsikunov still does not have a Bible. Recently, the man has often been transferred from one squad to another. Despite the difficulties, the believer does not lose optimism.
Other
In January, Aleksandr had another visit from his wife. He recently suffered from SARS, after which his sinusitis worsened. Despite being ill, he has to go to work. The believer is not being given medication, as allegedly they ran out, although Yelena brought everything he needed. The situation with letters has not improved. The barracks where Aleksandr is held are warm, there is cold and hot water. The believer has his own sleeping place. He can go to the banya twice a week. Relations with other prisoners are good.
Timeline
Zagulin Dmitriy
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months
(until March 2026)
Other
The court grants the petition of penal colony No. 8 in Blagoveshchensk to establish administrative supervision over Dmitriy Zagulin for a period of 8 years after his release in March 2026. During this period, Zagulin will be required to comply with the following restrictions: a ban on leaving the home from 22:00 to 06:00, a ban on leaving Birobidzhan, a mandatory appearance at the police 4 times a month, a ban on visiting entertainment establishments where alcohol is sold (cafes, bars, snack bars, etc.).
Other
Dmitriy Zagulin, Valeriy Kriger and Sergey Shulyarenko are feeling fine. They receive medical care and medicines when needed. Dmitriy says, he tries to wake up according to Birobidzhan time (4 a. m. local time), does exercises, and on the weekends goes to the library. Valeriy does sports four times a week; he can take a shower twice a week. Sometimes he plays chess and checkers.
Timeline
Knyazev Valeriy
ИК № 5 по Кировской области
Sentence: 3 years
(until November 2028)
Transfer of a prisoner
Valeriy Knyazev is in penal colony No. 5 in the Kirov region.
Transfer of a prisoner
Valeriy Knyazev is in the process of being transferred. Indus Talipov is in penal colony No. 5 for the Udmurt Republic.
Timeline
Serebryakov Aleksandr
ИК № 7 по Костромской области
Sentence: 5 years
(until November 2027)
Court of Cassation
The Second Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Moscow dismisses the lawyer's cassation appeal against the verdict. There are 6 listeners in the hall. Serebryakov is present at the hearing via video conference from the colony.
Other
Aleksandr is on semi-bed rest due to hypertension: the least anxiety causes his blood pressure to spike. The believer still cannot work. Now he can call his wife once a week, and at the end of December, he had an extended visit from her. Aleksandr's relationship with others is peaceful and calm.
Timeline
Yakovlev Yuriy
КТБ № 1 по Красноярскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 2 months
(until May 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Yuri Yakovlev is in the regional hospital No 1 of the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where he undergoes dental prosthetics. He can be contacted using Zonatelecom.
Punishment cell
Yuriy was fired from his job and placed in a punishment cell for a week. There he is unable to read the Bible, because the guard refuses to hand it over. The room is so cold that your hands do not obey, but hot food, which is brought several times a day, allows you to warm up a little.
Timeline
Shchekoldina Lyudmila
ИК № 28 по Волгоградской области
Sentence: 4 years and 1 month
(until April 2026)
Other
Lyudmila Shchekoldina continues to work in the sewing industry. Her condition returned to normal after the operation. The believer is supported by letters and reading the Bible.
Other
"She is always calm, reasonable and does not lose her temper," the prisoners say about Lyudmila Shchekoldina. Her disposition does not change despite the difficulties. The believer suffers from back pain due to the workload. Since the change of medical staff in June, her bed rest has not been extended.
Timeline
Lonchakov Igor
ИК № 13 по Свердловской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until November 2031)
Other
Lonchakov works in the furniture industry. For 2 months in the colony, he had colds 3 times, noticeably lost weight. He receives medical attention. The believer is given letters. Igor is glad to have the opportunity to read the Bible and keep in touch with his family.
Timeline
Gerashchenko Yuriy
ИК № 12 по Волгоградской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until October 2029)
Letters
In the colony, Yuriy Gerashchenko adheres to a clear daily routine. He works in the sewing industry, and on weekends he deals with household issues. Recently, Yuriy suffered a cold. The believer is supported by reading the Bible and letters. Yuriy has the opportunity to get visits with his wife.
Court of Cassation
The Fourth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in Krasnodar upholds the verdict and the appeal ruling — Parfenovich and Gerashchenko remain in penal colonies. The convicted persons attend the hearing via videoconference. They ask the court to acquit them. Their wives, who speak at the hearing, as well as the believers' lawyer, motion for the same. Marina Parfenovich states: "There is no malicious or criminal intent at all; there was no intent to cause socially dangerous consequences... there were no negative consequences for the citizens of the Krasnogvardeyskoye village or others. On the contrary, those who attended [the meeting for worship] behaved peacefully, friendly, no one said a bad word against any religion, authority or anyone else. It is a peaceful event that proves that there is no extremism among Jehovah's Witnesses." The court ignores these and other arguments.
Timeline
Talipov Indus
ИК № 5 по Удмуртской Республике
Sentence: 3 years
(until November 2028)
Transfer of a prisoner
Valeriy Knyazev is in the process of being transferred. Indus Talipov is in penal colony No. 5 for the Udmurt Republic.
Timeline
Barmakin Dmitriy
ИК № 10 по Самарской области
Sentence: 8 years
(until November 2029)
Letters
Dmitriy Barmakin is not given letters.
Letters
Dmitriy cannot call his relatives through the Zonatelecom system. Now contact with him is maintained only through short visits and letters from close relatives, but the letters do not always reach him.
Timeline
Gerasimov Aleksey
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 6 years
(until October 2029)
Punishment cell
In September, Aleksey Gerasimov spent 15 days in a punishment cell for groundless reasons. He has not received correspondence for about 2 months. Aleksey does exercises outdoors three times a week: he uses a sports bar and homemade weights — bags with bricks. He tries to eat healthily and, where possible, adhere to his usual routine. Recently, he had an extended visit from his wife.
Other
On the first floor of the barracks, where the believer is kept, there are 50 people. Aleksey works in the sewing workshop. He gets on fine with other prisoners. Gerasimov has a Bible. During the past month, letters have been arriving with a significant delay. There are two telephones in the yard. Prisoners can call their relatives twice a week according to schedule.
Timeline
Atrуakhin Vladimir
ИК № 3 по Республике Марий Эл
Sentence: 6 years
(until March 2028)
Other
Vladimir Atryakhin was granted an extended visit from his wife. The believer is in good physical and emotional state: he eats on time, does physical exercises and plays football. He is respected by both his cellmates and the staff of the penal colony. Vladimir lives in a barracks designed for 16 people. He receives many letters.
Other
The conditions of Vladimir Atryakhin's detention in the colony are satisfactory. He is respected by the administration and other prisoners. He still has the opportunity to call and meet with his wife.
Timeline
Sakada Vladimir
ИК № 5 по Калужской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until July 2026)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
At the end of November, Vladimir Sakada underwent surgery. He now feels better, regularly takes walks in the fresh air and takes prescribed medication. He has everything he needs thanks to the parcels he receives and being able to buy goods once a week in the store of the penal colony. He also had an extended visit from his wife.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Vladimir Sakada received a consultation from a specialist, who confirmed that the disease is in an advanced stage. An operation is scheduled for the end of November. The spouse purchased the necessary medicines prescribed by the doctor and handed them over. However, the paramedic refuses to give out drugs, citing the lack of a prescription. Vladimir goes to work, despite the pain, he is not given a sick leave.
Timeline
Ashikhmin Sergey
ИК № 1 по Чувашской Республике
Sentence: 3 years
(until March 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
There are about forty people in the unit where Sergey Ashikhmin is kept, the premises are warm. They cook better in the new penal colony. The believer is recovering from an illness, so he is not working yet. Sergey's relations with the other prisoners and the administration are normal. Letters, especially from his wife, help Ashikhmin adapt. Friends visit the believer. Recently, Sergey managed to get a new set of dentures: within a day a specialist made and brought a new set to the penal colony — to replace the broken one — which fitted him perfectly, although he had not even once tried it on. The head of the medical unit of the penal colony said that it was the first time that this has happened in his practice.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Ashikhmin is in the transit cell of IK-5 in the Nizhny Novgorod region. He was examined by a cardiologist and gave blood for analysis.
Timeline
Khachaturyan Garegin
ИК № 8 по Астраханской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until January 2028)
Strict conditions of detention
For a year now, Garegin Khachaturyan has been in a cell-type facility (CTF). In January, for the first time in 6 months, he was granted a short visit from his wife. This meeting was a great support for him. Due to being in the CTF, he is unable to see his family as often as ordinary prisoners. He keeps in touch with his family only through letters: electronic ones are submitted more often than paper ones.
Other
Garegin has high blood pressure, constant headaches, and failing eyesight. He recently underwent treatment, which eased his condition. He was taken to the regional hospital for examination. Garegin is also waiting for a visit from a dentist — there is an agreement for this with the administration. The believer is grateful for the help from his friends, but asks not to send him parcels — it might prevent him from receiving parcels with the most necessary things from his relatives.
Timeline
Katamov Oleg
ИК № 6 по Тульской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until December 2030)
Health risk
Oleg Katamov suffers from the cold. The believer's daughter could not give him warm clothes, because the request for it, signed by the head of the penal colony, was lost. He has to go to the line-up dressed lightly and stand still in the cold for about 2 hours. Moreover, in the room where prisoners take a shower, the temperature drops to zero degrees. Katamov still has difficulty obtaining medication from the medical unit: for this, he needs to take time off from work and stand in a long line. Drugs are only dispensed 2 hours a day, so it is often not possible to receive them. Furthermore, medicines are given once a week, but only for a 5-day period.
Other
Oleg Katamov receives letters of support from friends on non-religious topics. The Bible, which he had been using recently, was seized. The believer now had the opportunity to call his daughter.
Timeline
Skvortsov Aleksandr
ИК № 3 по Ульяновской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until January 2028)
Other
The conditions in the barracks, where Aleksandr Skvortsov lives, have improved after the repair: it has become clean and warm. He was transferred to work in the library, and in his free time he reads fiction. He manages to maintain good relations with other prisoners and with the staff of the penal colony. Aleksandr regularly keeps in touch with his family.
Punishment cell
Aleksandr Skvortsov had a scheduled long visit from his wife. The barracks where he lives are warm and clean. After repeated visits to the medical unit about hypertension and inflammation of his sciatic nerve, the believer was prescribed treatment. His wife, daughter and friends provide the necessary medication. As before he is not given his letters. Since his arrival at the penal colony, Skvortsov has received a penalty again and spent 3 days in a punishment cell.
Timeline
Moiseyev Nikita
ИК № 3 по Ульяновской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until May 2026)
Other
The penal colony, where Yevgeniy Razumov, Vladimir Popov and Nikita Moiseyev are serving their sentences, has been renovated and now it is quite clean and warm. The believers still receive letters very rarely. Razumov has made significant progress in learning English. He works in electroplating, using electricity to coat parts with a layer of metal. Popov is respected by other prisoners because of his age and ability to find common ground with them. The believer is looking forward to an extended visit from his wife, which is due in March. Besides problems with his back and joints, Vladimir also suffers from periodic changes to his blood pressure and dizziness.
Letters
In Colony No. 3 for the Ulyanovsk Region, the situation with receiving letters is deteriorating: they are not given to Vladimir Popov, Aleksey Goreliy, Oleg Shidlovskiy, Yevgeniy Razumov, Nikita Moiseyev. The prisoners continue working. Vladimir experiences pain in his joints and back. Aleksey also had health problems. Oleg recently underwent treatment in the hospital. Yevgeniy had an extended visit from his wife.
Timeline
Popov Vladimir
ИК № 3 по Ульяновской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until May 2026)
Other
The penal colony, where Yevgeniy Razumov, Vladimir Popov and Nikita Moiseyev are serving their sentences, has been renovated and now it is quite clean and warm. The believers still receive letters very rarely. Razumov has made significant progress in learning English. He works in electroplating, using electricity to coat parts with a layer of metal. Popov is respected by other prisoners because of his age and ability to find common ground with them. The believer is looking forward to an extended visit from his wife, which is due in March. Besides problems with his back and joints, Vladimir also suffers from periodic changes to his blood pressure and dizziness.
Letters
In Colony No. 3 for the Ulyanovsk Region, the situation with receiving letters is deteriorating: they are not given to Vladimir Popov, Aleksey Goreliy, Oleg Shidlovskiy, Yevgeniy Razumov, Nikita Moiseyev. The prisoners continue working. Vladimir experiences pain in his joints and back. Aleksey also had health problems. Oleg recently underwent treatment in the hospital. Yevgeniy had an extended visit from his wife.
Timeline
Razumov Yevgeniy
ИК № 3 по Ульяновской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until May 2026)
Other
The penal colony, where Yevgeniy Razumov, Vladimir Popov and Nikita Moiseyev are serving their sentences, has been renovated and now it is quite clean and warm. The believers still receive letters very rarely. Razumov has made significant progress in learning English. He works in electroplating, using electricity to coat parts with a layer of metal. Popov is respected by other prisoners because of his age and ability to find common ground with them. The believer is looking forward to an extended visit from his wife, which is due in March. Besides problems with his back and joints, Vladimir also suffers from periodic changes to his blood pressure and dizziness.
Other
Yevgeniy Razumov had another long meeting with his wife Natalia. She worries about his physical condition, but she is reassured that her husband can be given the necessary medications and vitamins. Living conditions in the building where Yevgeniy is being held are still difficult. In addition, the believer never receives letters.
Timeline
Moiseyenko Vladimir
ИК № 3 по Ульяновской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until January 2028)
Other
In the barracks where Vladimir Moiseyenko is kept, are between 90 and 110 people. There are two refrigerators. A year ago, the living quarters were renovated, now they have become cleaner and warmer. The believer is able to take a shower in the workshop, where he works. Vladimir calls his daughter regularly. He is also waiting for permission to have telephone conversations with friends, whose contact details he has provided to the penal colony administration. He still receives letters very rarely, but he receives parcels regularly.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Vladimir Moiseyenko and Aleksandr Skvortsov have one incentive each. There are difficulties with letters - they received the last ones in February. Vladimir washes parts from oil and carries out phosphating (a type of metal processing). Work in hazardous industries has led to the fact that the believer periodically feels unwell. Aleksandr Skvortsov continues to work — he is engaged in the processing of metal parts. He is worried about his wife because of her health problems. At the end of June, he expects a date with her.
Timeline
Lelikov Aleksey
ИК № 12 по Волгоградской области
Sentence: 6 years and 5 months
(until June 2031)
Elderly
Aleksey Lelikov is in penal colony No. 12 in the Volgograd Region (Volzhskiy). He was assigned to a unit in which pensioners and disabled people serve their sentences. The believer's sleeping place is on the second tier. He can regularly talk to his loved ones via video call through the Zonatelecom system. Before being transferred to the penal colony, Aleksey fell ill and still has a cough. Because of this he did not need to go to the lineup for 2 weeks.
Timeline
Nikulina Elena
ИК № 2 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months
(until August 2026)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Elena Nikulina still works in the sewing workshop. In early November, she was transferred to the interoperational product quality control. The working day lasts 12 hours with 1 day off every 2 weeks. In the previous place, it was even more difficult, but the believer still gets tired physically and emotionally. There are 75 people in the unit. Due to the lack of bathrooms and places in the dining room, you constantly have to wait in line, and only 5 minutes are allotted for eating. Bath day — twice a week. The only washing machine often does not work, and about 20 minutes are allotted for manual washing of personal belongings. Bed linen and towels can be taken to the communal laundry.
Letters
Yelena Nikulina has difficulties receiving letters in the colony: they are rarely received and not everyone passes the censorship. There are problems with water in the barracks. Recently, I had a long date with my sister.
Timeline
Marunov Anatoliy
ИК № 3 по Тамбовской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until July 2028)
Elderly
January 16. The Rasskazovskiy District Court of the Tambov Region is considering Anatoliy Marunov's motion for release from punishment for health reasons. Medical unit No. 68 submitted a conclusion that he did not have any illness that gives him the right to be released. However, the court did not receive the documents on which this conclusion was based. The hearing was postponed as the medical institution is obliged to provide the missing materials.
Believers with a disability
It becomes known that Anatoliy Marunov was assigned the II group of disability.
Timeline
Klikunov Sergey
ИК № 2 по Республике Татарстан
Sentence: 8 years
(until July 2027)
Letters
Sergey Klikunov is held on the first floor of the barracks in a dormitory with 23 beds. Living conditions: the premises are warm and there is cold and hot water. According to him, the canteen food is good. The believer feels that he needs to be examined and possible treated by a dentist. He has having difficulties with receiving correspondence: for about 3 months, letters have not been given to him.
Other
Sergey Klikunov now works in a sewing workshop. The believer suffers from hypertension, so he is forced to take medications on a regular basis. Despite various difficulties, he does not lose joy and tries to look at many things with humor. Letters serve as a great support for him. The words of the elderly are especially touching — as Sergey says, they radiate warmth and care.
Timeline
Putintsev Aleksandr
ИК № 5 по Алтайскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until October 2028)
Letters
Aleksandr Putintsev has been placed under general detention conditions. The barracks have heating, but no hot water. Prisoners can use the banya twice a week. For a while, the believer worked in the sewing workshop. He has developed friendly relations with other inmates and staff in the penal colony. Aleksandr receives many letters of support. He has a Bible. In his free time, he writes poems. This helps him to stay cheerful. Previously, he had surgery around his shoulder. Putintsev is worried about his elderly mother's health and his wife, who is caring for her.
Strict conditions of detention
The conditions of detention of Aleksandr Putintsev remain strict, despite his deteriorating health due to diabetes. Nevertheless, the believer is not discouraged - other prisoners are surprised at the calmness that Alexander experiences despite the difficulties. The support of his family and friends helps him maintain a positive attitude. The man is happy to receive letters and parcels from them. He can call his family; In April, he had a long meeting with his wife.
Timeline
Сhaplykina Marina
ИК № 9 по Новосибирской области
Sentence: 4 years
(until June 2027)
Punishment cell
Marina Chaplykina spent 14 days in a punishment cell because of a fabricated violation.
Letters
Since July, Marina Chaplykina has been working in the sewing workshop 6 days a week. Working hours are set until 5:00 p.m., but they are often extended to 8:00 p.m. if prisoners do not succeed in completing the assigned work. On Sundays, the believer is required to participate in cleaning and taking care of the territory. Due to this schedule, she gets exhausted. Since arriving at the penal colony in April 2025, Marina has received about 50 letters (as many as the average number of letters received in the pretrial detention center per week). Recently, she was transferred to another unit, where there is hot water and heating.
Timeline
Zhigalov Sergey
ИК № 1 по Ярославской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until October 2030)
Other
Sergey Zhigalov feels noticeably better. He continues to carefully monitor his diet, which has a positive effect on his general condition. Recently, the believer was prescribed new glasses, as his eyesight has deteriorated — he could hardly see anything with the old ones. Despite his circumstances, Sergey makes an effort to notice joyful moments. He really appreciates the letters he receives regularly. Previously, Zhigalov worked in an industrial equipment maintenance team and earned a reputation as a conscientious worker. He strived to complete tasks efficiently, sometimes even after hours. When his mananger found out that he was being transferred to another department, he said: "I need Zhigalov, I will not let him go!" Now Sergey works in the bakery.
Other
Sergey Zhigalov tries to take care of his health: he gave up flour and sweets, every morning he does exercises, for which he wakes up at 5 am. The believer likes to create "cozy corners" for himself, where he places a photo of the couple and flowers in a plastic bottle.
Timeline
Popov Igor
ИК № 5 по Алтайскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until September 2026)
Other
Conditions for Igor Popov in the penal colony are satisfactory. There is no hot water in the barracks, but a shower for prisoners is provided at the workplace. At first, Igor worked at a mill, and now he is casting small parts for freight cars. He works 6 days and has 1 day off. Despite his workload and tiredness, in his free time Igor tries to reply to letters from concerned people.
Timeline
Kutin Aleksandr
ИК № 3 по Республике Марий Эл
Sentence: 3 years
(until October 2026)
Other
Aleksandr Kutin lives in a barracks where there are about 140 prisoners. He has developed a hobby — making objects from wood. The believer reads the Bible regularly and on Sundays he sets aside time to reply to letters. At times Aleksandr has health problems: he has numbness and cramps in his limbs. To stay fit, Aleksandr exercises and walks.
Other
Aleksandr tries to look after his health by exercising regularly. The believer is respected among the prisoners who are kept in the same barracks with him. For his part, Aleksandr shows generosity by sharing products with others. He has the opportunity to call his relatives regularly by using the phone in the penal colony, and in early June he had an extended visit from his wife.
Timeline
Zhukov Yevgeniy
ИК № 1 по Ярославской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until June 2026)
Punishment cell
Yevgeniy Zhukov had a long meeting with relatives, which was supposed to take place in September. But then he ended up in the SUS (strict conditions of detention) and is now deprived of the opportunity to work. There are 2 people in the room with Yevgeniy. It is possible to go outside for a while. After rising, the section closes, and all prisoners spend the whole day in the so-called entertainment room, where there is a TV and smokes constantly. Because of cigarette smoke, Yevgeniy's eyes suffer so much that he had to go to the medical unit. He was given eye drops.
Other
Yevgeniy has been working in the bakery for two months now. Colony staff and prisoners praise him for his delicious bread. Recently, he passed the baker's exam, and also took part in the annual song contest among convicts "Kalina Krasnaya".
Timeline
Kuznetsov Aleksey
ИК № 6 по Тульской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until December 2030)
Other
Aleksey Kuznetsov is in the barracks, where 70 more people are serving their sentences. She works as an intern in a sewing industry. Aleksey has stomach problems - after eating, the pain is so severe that he cannot work. The medical unit issued permission for the transfer of pills, but at this stage Aleksey wants to receive a more thorough examination and treatment. There are difficulties with visiting a stall where you can buy groceries - you have to sign up for the queue 3 weeks in advance. Parcels are also delayed, but he receives parcels.
Elderly
Oleg Katamov and Aleksey Kuznetsov were transferred from quarantine to detachments. Believers are waiting for the visit of relatives. A Bible was seized from Oleg, letters from his family are not handed over to him. Representatives of the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Tula Region said that they would check the situation and take action. Aleksey plans to find a job in the colony. His wife has already received two letters from him.
Timeline
Olshevskiy Anton
ИК № 5 по Алтайскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until January 2029)
Strict conditions of detention
Anton Olshevskiy is still in strict conditions of detention. There he helps some prisoners learn Russian. Anton's coxarthrosis periodically worsens.
Strict conditions of detention
Anton Olshevskiy is still in strict conditions of detention (SUS). He tries to maintain good spirits and a positive attitude. The believer has a Bible. He also receives letters regularly. The last long date with his wife was in February 2024.
Timeline
Khamatshin Maksim
ИК № 11 по Челябинской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until January 2031)
Other
In November, Maksim lay in a barracks for five days with a high fever. In general, his health has stabilized, but working in the workshop involves constant contact with vinegar, which causes discomfort. At work, Maksim is appreciated and respected, but it was not easy to earn such an attitude. Now Khamatshin is involved in the training of another shift and is instructed to make calculations. At one time, both telephone receivers of the Zonatelecom system did not function in the barracks, Maxim managed to fix one of them.
Other
After quarantine, the believer was assigned to the first detachment of the colony, which is considered exemplary: it is clean, warm, and there is hot water. There are about 50 people in the detachment. At first, Maksim experienced stress due to the unusual environment, but gradually adapted to it. Despite the accumulated fatigue, Khamatshin tries to find reasons to rejoice. Recently, the believer had a short meeting with his wife Adelina, which coincided with an open day: relatives of prisoners were given a short tour of the colony. Since Maksim's chronic illnesses had worsened earlier, his wife gave him the necessary medications and vitamins.
Timeline
Komarov Vitaliy
ИК № 5 по Орловской области
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until October 2027)
Letters
According to Vitaliy's relatives, he is very grateful for letters of support in paper and electronic form, but at present he can only respond in paper form by regular mail.
Other
Vitaliy Komarov is in a unit of 50 people. They share the use of one poorly working electric kettle and wash their clothes by hand. When admitted to the penal colony, the believer had severe back pain and could not sleep. Now everything has returned to normal. According to Vitaliy, his work in the kitchen contributed to this: he has to bend down about 600 times a day in order to distribute food to prisoners.
Timeline
Dyadkin Aleksey
ИК № 2 по Липецкой области
Sentence: 7 years
(until June 2026)
Punishment cell
On fabricated violations, Aleksey Dyadkin spent 3 days in a punishment cell. He experiences sporadic back pain, for which he is given injections. Also, the believer again needs to see a dentist. In November, he had an extended visit from his wife.
Strict conditions of detention
There is information that Aleksey Dyadkin was transferred to strict conditions of detention.
Timeline
Stefanidin Yevgeniy
ИК № 29 по Пермскому краю
Sentence: 6 years
(until February 2031)
Other
Yevgeniy Stefanidin had a long meeting with his wife Marina and daughter. According to the couple, after the barracks, the conditions of the visiting room seemed to him "a suite room in a five-star hotel." In the colony, the man is known for his cheerful attitude and consistency in words and deeds. One prisoner asked a believer: "How do you smile all the time? After all, you can't go to jail for six years. I, for one, do not find anything joyful, although I have to sit much less." Yevgeniy replied: "I can't change my circumstances. I'd rather be happy with what I have and smile than be sad."
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Yevgeniy Stefanidin returned to the penal colony after an examination in a hospital in Solikamsk, which the medical-labor commission required to confirm his disability. Nutritious food and rest have benefited him — despite his serious illness, the believer remains optimistic.
Timeline
Kupriyanskiy Nikolay
ИК № 2 по Липецкой области
Sentence: 4 years and 6 months
(until July 2028)
Punishment cell
Nikolay Kupriyanskiy is serving his sentence under strict detention conditions. There are 16 people in the barracks. It is warm;there is cold and hot water. It is not easy for him emotionally, but he says that letters of support and children's drawings "warm his heart." Nikolay was placed in a punishment cell for 20 days for violations that, according to him, were fabricated. The believer has problems with his blood pressure.
Strict conditions of detention
It becomes known that Nikolai Kupriyansky has been transferred to strict conditions of detention.
Timeline
Shchetinin Aleksandr
ИК № 4 по Тверской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until December 2030)
Other
Aleksandr Shchetinin has already been in the penal colony for several weeks. Immediately upon his arrival, he was given about 20 letters from friends. He really appreciates every letter, but so far he cannot reply to all of them. He is assembling wooden pallets; the daily requirement is 350 units, in order to fulfill this, he has to stay late. Aleksandr is experiencing back pain, and problems with his vision, which started in pretrial detention, have become worse.
Transfer of a prisoner
Aleksandr Shchetinin is in penal colony No. 4 in the Tver region.
Timeline
Martynov Nikolay
ИК № 1 по Республике Бурятия
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Punishment cell
Nikolay Martynov is supported by letters that arrive regularly. In November, there was a short meeting with his wife and daughter. The believer's relatives had to travel more than 500 kilometers to visit him and talk a little. In November, Martynov spent 5 days in a punishment cell.
Elderly
Nikolay Martynov, despite his retirement age, decided to volunteer for work and was sent to the carpentry workshop. Aleksey Solnechny tries to find positive aspects in his circumstances, for example, the opportunity to receive dental care. Currently, his work is keeping the territory of his unit clean. Recently he had a long visit from his wife. Sergey Kosteyev, who suffers from coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, sometimes has nosebleeds.
Timeline
Svarichevskiy Adam
ИК № 31 по Приморскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until January 2029)
Penalty
At the end of September, Adam Svarichevskiy was transferred from the cell-type facility (CTF) to strict detention conditions. He had an extended visit from his family, after which he was again placed in the CTF. The believer receives letters and tries to reply to them as much as possible.
Other
Adam Svarichevskiy is in a CTF and presumably will remain there until the end of September. Adam still has unstable blood pressure and also needs dental care. Despite such circumstances, the believer tries not to lose his sense of humor. He sees his imprisonment as an opportunity to remain faithful to his beliefs. As best he can, Adam tries to support his wife, who is facing poor health and daily struggles.
Timeline
Davydenko Aleksandr
ИК № 9 по Краснодарскому краю
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months
(until January 2027)
Penalty
After quarantine, Aleksandr Davydenko was placed in a punishment cell due to fabricated violations. He receives only paper letters; he does not have a Bible yet.
Transfer of a prisoner
Aleksandr Davydenko is in penal colony No. 9 for the Krasnodar Territory.
Timeline
Dolganov Aleksandr
ИК № 10 по Самарской области
Sentence: 3 years
(until June 2026)
Letters
Aleksandr cannot call his relatives through the Zonatelecom system from the colony. He sees them only on short visits and communicates with them by letters, which do not always get through. No other correspondence is passed on to the believer.
Other
Presiding judge: Elena Buraya. The Sixth Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction (Samara, Krymskaya Square, 1). Start: 10:20.
Timeline
Chaykovskiy Ivan
ИК № 1 по Ярославской области
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until October 2027)
Elderly
Ivan Tchaikovsky works hard in the penal colony. He trained as a boilder room operator and electrician and now he is training to become a welder. Since it started getting cold, he was given warm clothes.
Other
Ivan Tchaikovsky lives in a cell with 12 prisoners. He continues to work as a locksmith and at the same time is studying to be an electrician. The believer receives medicines on time, he has a blood pressure monitor. Recently there was a long meeting with his wife.
Timeline
Fomin Vladimir
ИК № 8 по Астраханской области
Sentence: 4 years and 6 months
(until January 2028)
Believers with a disability
Astrakhan penal colony No. 8 has its own food, clothing, metal and woodworking production facilities. Therefore, most of the prisoners in Fomin's unit work. However, Vladimir was released from work due to persistent health issues. Frequent headaches, weakness, cramps and other health problems require medical attention. Fomin's wife, Anna, was recently classed as disabled. As she had been separated from her husband for more than 1.5 years, she had to move to her father's in Chelyabinsk and live on both their pensions. The couple hope that at the end of December they will be granted an extended visit.
Transfer of a prisoner
Vladimir Fomin is in penal colony No. 8 for the Astrakhan Region.
Timeline
Gobozev Sergey
ИК № 5 по Кировской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until September 2030)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
During a planned hospitalization in Correctional Colony No. 12, Sergey Gobozev's condition deteriorates sharply. The believer is prescribed IVs, antibiotics and insulin, allowed bed rest and provided with an oxygen concentrator. Additional diagnostics are planned in another city.
Other
Sergey Gobozev is in the pension unit, due to his age. Prisoners get up at 6 a.m.; lights out — 10 p.m. They cannot lie down during the day and only sit on metal stools. According to Sergey, it is cold in the unit: the heating is not on yet, and a winter jacket has not yet been issued, so he keeps himself warm as best he can: he wears a robe, thermal underwear and a sweater. Washbasin — only cold water. The unit has a small room where they are allowed to drink tea and have a snack in the evening, as well as a room with a TV.
Timeline
Kuzyanin Denis
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 7 years
(until September 2027)
Other
The court refuses to replace the remaining term of punishment with a fine for Denis Kuzyanin.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Polosenko, Denis Kuzyanin, Nikolay Vasiliyev and Aram Danielyan are respected in the penal colony. They conscientiously work in the sewing workshop. Others in their unit notice their self-control. The believers are given their letters, but with a significant delay. The medical unit supplies Polosenko with the medicines required to lower his blood pressure. Vasiliyev is still not receiving the necessary treatment. Despite this, he, like the other believers, tries to maintain a positive attitude. The believer is grateful to his friends who support his mother during this difficult time: she lives in a rural area, far from the place where her son is imprisoned, and only thanks to their help she can come to visit him. Nikolay plans to start studying psychology in open university in October.
Timeline
Rumyantsev Aleksandr
ИК № 5 по Калужской области
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months
(until April 2027)
Other
There is a total of 68 people in the barracks where Aleksandr Rumyantsev is kept. Aleksandr is respected by other prisoners and the administration. He has a Bible. The believer is planning to train as a cardboard box assembler in February 2026.
Transfer of a prisoner
Aleksandr Rumyantsev is in penal colony No. 5 for the Kaluga Region. Eduard Sviridov is in penal colony No. 8 for the Republic of Tatarstan.
Timeline
Saparov Nikolay
ИК № 5 по Санкт-Петербургу и Ленинградской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until September 2026)
Transfer of a prisoner
Nikolay Saparov is in penal colony No. 5 for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.
Letters
There are about 130 people in Nikolai's detachment. The believer was assigned to the workshop to clean fish. Relations with the administration and other prisoners are normal. I receive letters of support from friends. Saparov has the Bible in the Synodal translation.
Timeline
Derendyaev Maksim
ИК № 1 по Чувашской Республике
Sentence: 3 years
(until September 2026)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Maksim Derendyaev is being held together with 52 prisoners in a barrack with heating. He is a qualified electrician and recently got appropriate work in the penal colony. The first month turned out to be especially difficult: a new team, stress and autumn blues built up. Recently, the believer developed back pain, and he managed to get an appointment with a therapist in the medical unit. Although an X-ray is still required to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor's prescriptions have already helped, and soon Maksim was able to resume physical exercises that keep him in shape.
Letters
The detention conditions of Maksim Derendyaev remain difficult — there is still no change of clothes, despite repeated appeals to the administration. The issue with receiving letters has not been resolved: there have been no paper letters for 1 month and no electronic ones for 1.5 months. The food provided is not of high quality, but some can be bought in the penal colony store.
Timeline
Shurygin Andrey
ИК № 13 по Свердловской области
Sentence: 5 years
(until March 2030)
Other
After quarantine, Andrey Shurygin is working as an electrician in the unit. He hopes to be granted an extended visit from his family soon.
Transfer of a prisoner
Andrey Shurygin is in penal colony No. 13 for the Sverdlovsk Region.
Timeline
Kudinov Viktor
ИК № 7 по Костромской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until October 2030)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
During a routine medical examination, the doctor discovers a darkening in Viktor Kudinov's left lung. He needs further medical examination and treatment. The believer had a 3-day visit from his wife. He receives letters of support.
Other
Viktor Kudinov is recovering from a difficult transfer process that took almost 3 months. Immediately after arriving at the penal colony, his chronic illness worsened. He was provided with medical care, the doctor prescribed modified bed rest and a diet. There are 35 people in Victor's unit. His relations with the other prisoners, as well as with the administration of the penal colony, are normal. The barracks are warm, there is hot water, and the food is good. There is no work for prisoners in the institution, but some of them work in the canteen.
Timeline
Kiramov Rinat
ИК № 6 по Тульской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until December 2027)
Other
At the end of October, Rinat Kiramov gets an extended visit from his wife. Before the visit, his Bible was again taken away from him, and he had to turn to the local church for a new copy. A deep study of the Holy Scriptures helps the believer to remain steadfast and support his wife long-distance. He is also strengthened by letters from friends who have been following his life in the pretrial detention center and penal colony for more than 4 years.
Other
Rinat had a long date with his wife Galina. His detachment now has 84 people. The believer still performs the duties of a day guard: he cleans some rooms, announces lights out and wakes up, and conducts exercises for the entire barracks. Other prisoners treat Rinat with respect and note his calm and friendly nature.
Timeline
Pike Sean Antonio
ИК № 9 по Новгородской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until October 2026)
Other
Sean Pike needs medical attention: since being in prison, he has developed hypertension. Sean is strengthened by reading the Bible and letters from people who care. The believer receives parcels with food and makes purchases in the penal colony's store. Sean's relationship with other prisoners is friendly. Recently, he managed to get a 3-day visit from his wife.
Transfer of a prisoner
Sean Pike is in penal colony No. 9 for the Novgorod Region.
Timeline
Stashevskiy Viktor
Тюрьма № 2 по Владимирской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until July 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Stashevsky received a long-awaited meeting with his wife, but other requests - for the issuance of the necessary medicines and hygiene products - remain unanswered. The issue of dental treatment has not yet been fully resolved. Viktor almost never leaves the cell. His connection with the outside world is maintained by letters that strengthen him and create a sense of live communication. Viktor had a cellmate, with whom the believer developed good-neighborly relations.
Letters
Viktor is being held in solitary confinement in a cell of 10 square meters. He jokes: "The food is good, you won't gain weight." Since November 2024, he has not been allowed out for walks. He looks after his health, exercises; he takes medication for hypertension, but again needs dental care. Viktor applies every month for a visit from his wife, but does not receive a reply. The believer tries to answer letters, but, according to him, the administration does not send them out due the absence of a censor. The staff of the institution treat Stashevsky with respect. Love of life and reading the Bible help him cope with the restrictions.
Timeline
Safronova Anna
ИК № 5 по Тверской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until August 2027)
Other
In the colony where Anna was transferred, the believer lives in a barrack for 140 people. The conditions are satisfactory: there is a shower with hot water and a toilet, smoking is prohibited in the room. You can move around the colony unaccompanied. As a pensioner, Anna does not work. Relations with the administration and prisoners are conflict-free. The food is average, but friends give Anna the necessary products. She also has the opportunity to order goods through the colony's store, but delivery takes about a week.
Transfer of a prisoner
Anna Safronova is in the process of relocation.
Timeline
Yeritsyan Gevorg
ИК № 5 по Кировской области
Sentence: 6 years and 2 months
(until September 2027)
Letters
Gevorg Yeritsyan is treated well in the penal colony, both by the administration and the prisoners, largely due to the good reputation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Smiley by nature, Gevorg tries to enjoy simple things — such as a gentle breeze or a beautiful cloud he notices while walking. His love of life is noticeable to those around him. It is fueled by the Bible and letters from relatives and others who want to support him. Only e-mails are accepted by the penal colony — paper letters are not for an unknown reason.
Transfer of a prisoner
Gevorg Yeritsyan is in penal colony No. 5 for the Kirov Region.
Timeline
Seredkin Aleksandr
Released December 25, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Health risk
Seredkin's health has deteriorated sharply since August. In the last few months, the believer has lost about 10 kilograms. He is in great pain and it is virtual impossible for him to digest his food. As a result of this Aleksandr was sent for a medical examination. The believer is in touch with his family and friends. At the end of September he had an extended visit from his wife and children and recently another one took place — this time in Regional Tuberculosis Hospital No. 12 in Barnaul, where he was admitted for examination. Aleksandr is waiting for the results of the tests and follows a diet. For 2 years now (since October 2023), Seredkin has been under strict conditions of detention.
Strict conditions of detention
The room where Aleksandr Seredkin and other prisoners are kept has been renovated. By his behavior, the believer earned the respect of others. According to his wife, with whom he recently had a long date, the believer has lost a little weight, he lacks sunlight. However, Aleksandr has the opportunity to take care of his health: regularly exercise and drink more water. He also often visits the library, where he can quietly read and think. Seredkin still receives many letters from different countries and cities, and he tries to answer them regularly.
Timeline
Bukin Vladimir
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until June 2029)
Other
"I wish there were more people like you here!" - prisoners say about Valery Slashchev, Vladimir Bukin and Mikhail Burkov. Valeriy helped bring the local club into working order: now concerts are held there, where prisoners play musical instruments and sing. The believer also draws, writes poetry and composes songs. Vladimir's eyesight deteriorates. Mikhail is worried about pain in his legs, but he continues to work: he repairs electrical appliances - even those that seem hopeless.
Other
Vladimir Bukin notes that the food has improved since last year. On Sunday, his only day off, he devotes his time to reading and replying to letters from friends and acquaintances. He keeps in regular touch with his loved ones. The believer is awaiting dental treatment.
Timeline
Burkov Mikhail
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 1 month
(until March 2029)
Other
"I wish there were more people like you here!" - prisoners say about Valery Slashchev, Vladimir Bukin and Mikhail Burkov. Valeriy helped bring the local club into working order: now concerts are held there, where prisoners play musical instruments and sing. The believer also draws, writes poetry and composes songs. Vladimir's eyesight deteriorates. Mikhail is worried about pain in his legs, but he continues to work: he repairs electrical appliances - even those that seem hopeless.
Incentive
The conditions of Mikhail Burkov's detention are satisfactory, but smoking in the room affects his well-being. The believer has peaceful relations with everyone. He works as an electrician and earns a little extra as a general laborer. Mikhail has a Bible. He receives letters of support, but recently only those sent from Russia have been given to him.
Timeline
Kriger Valeriy
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 6 years and 9 months
(until June 2029)
Letters
Sergey Shulyarenko and Valeriy Kriger have extended visits from their relatives. In the barracks where Shulyarenko is kept, there are more than 100 people. It is noisy and smoky there, but even in such conditions, Sergey is focused on the positive: there is a library and a place to relax. Reading the Bible daily strengthens the believer. Valeriy Kriger receives letters of support from a variety of people. A certain Aleksandr wrote Valeriy the following: "I have heard that there are a lot of people in prison in cases similiar to yours, but the reason for the charge is not clear. As an atheist, I do not see a threat in people peacefully practicing their religion. I wish you to stay healthy and interested in life."
Other
Dmitriy Zagulin, Valeriy Kriger and Sergey Shulyarenko are feeling fine. They receive medical care and medicines when needed. Dmitriy says, he tries to wake up according to Birobidzhan time (4 a. m. local time), does exercises, and on the weekends goes to the library. Valeriy does sports four times a week; he can take a shower twice a week. Sometimes he plays chess and checkers.
Timeline
Shulyarenko Sergey
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 6 years and 9 months
(until June 2029)
Letters
Sergey Shulyarenko and Valeriy Kriger have extended visits from their relatives. In the barracks where Shulyarenko is kept, there are more than 100 people. It is noisy and smoky there, but even in such conditions, Sergey is focused on the positive: there is a library and a place to relax. Reading the Bible daily strengthens the believer. Valeriy Kriger receives letters of support from a variety of people. A certain Aleksandr wrote Valeriy the following: "I have heard that there are a lot of people in prison in cases similiar to yours, but the reason for the charge is not clear. As an atheist, I do not see a threat in people peacefully practicing their religion. I wish you to stay healthy and interested in life."
Other
Dmitriy Zagulin, Valeriy Kriger and Sergey Shulyarenko are feeling fine. They receive medical care and medicines when needed. Dmitriy says, he tries to wake up according to Birobidzhan time (4 a. m. local time), does exercises, and on the weekends goes to the library. Valeriy does sports four times a week; he can take a shower twice a week. Sometimes he plays chess and checkers.
Timeline
Slashchev Valeriy
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until June 2029)
Other
"I wish there were more people like you here!" - prisoners say about Valery Slashchev, Vladimir Bukin and Mikhail Burkov. Valeriy helped bring the local club into working order: now concerts are held there, where prisoners play musical instruments and sing. The believer also draws, writes poetry and composes songs. Vladimir's eyesight deteriorates. Mikhail is worried about pain in his legs, but he continues to work: he repairs electrical appliances - even those that seem hopeless.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
In the detachment where Valery Slashchev is kept, repairs were carried out and plastic windows were installed. A shower is available twice a week, there is a laundry room where you can wash even large things. There is also a dining room, a kitchen and a reading and TV room. Valeriy is allowed to walk outside, in his free time the prisoners play table tennis, plant flowers in a small greenhouse and take care of them.
Timeline
Kazadaev Pavel
ИК № 5 по Алтайскому краю
Sentence: 3 years
(until August 2026)
Strict conditions of detention
Pavel Kazadaev is still under strict conditions. There are 19 people in the unit; the attitude toward the believer on the part of prisoners and penal colony staff is respectful. He has been put in charge of the storeroom — he is responsible for issuing and accepting clothes and personal belongings of inmates. Pavel regularly receives letters of support.
Strict conditions of detention
Pavel Kazadaev is in strict conditions of detention. The barracks, where 13 people live, are clean and warm. After breakfast, there is an opportunity to go for a walk. Pavel tries to play sports in order to stay in good physical and emotional shape. Kazadaev maintains long visits with his wife, which take place every four months. Recently, at one of them, the couple celebrated five years of marriage. Daria shares: "I really wanted to keep warm memories of this day, despite the conditions. During the inspection, the officers noticed that I had taken a dress for myself and a shirt for my husband, and asked why. I explained to them that we wanted to celebrate our wedding anniversary."
Timeline
Klokov Valeriy
ИК № 5 по Алтайскому краю
Sentence: 3 years
(until February 2027)
Letters
The premises where the believer is located are cold, despite heating. Hot water is available only in the shower, which cannot be used daily. Communication with the outside world is limited: phone calls are allowed twice a month, there is no video communication. There have been no visits from his wife so far. Since his arrival, Valeriy has received about 200 letters. He has the New Testament and the Psalms.
Transfer of a prisoner
Valeriy Klokov is in penal colony No. 5 for the Altai Territory.
Timeline
Tokhtaev Daler
ИК № 1 по Сахалинской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until September 2029)
Punishment cell
Daler Tokhtaev was in the punishment cell for about 4 months, after which he was placed in a cell-type facility. Relations with the administration of the penal colony and other prisoners are normal. Daler regularly receives letters, although with some delay. Emails sometimes reach the addressee only 2 months after they have been sent. The believer draws moral strength from reading the Bible.
Punishment cell
Upon arrival at the penal colony, Daler Tokhtaev was immediately placed in a punishment cell. Later, for some unknown reason, the period of his detention in the punishment cell was extended for another 14 days.
Timeline
Starikov Aleksandr
ИК № 7 по Костромской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until December 2030)
Transfer of a prisoner
Oleg Katamov and Aleksey Kuznetsov are in penal colony No. 6 in the Tula region. Aleksandr Starikov is in penal colony No. 7 in the Kostroma region.
Timeline
Bitusov Yevgeniy
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years
(until November 2028)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Yevgeniy Bitusov recently suffered a renal colic attack again. He received medical assistance and the treatment continues. However, the administration of the penal colony did not allow him to call a dentist from the outside, and there is no specialist on-site, so his problem has not been resolved. With attacks of acute pain, Bitusov is taken to the dentist in a clinic in Amursk. The conditions of detention, relations with prisoners and the administration are normal. Yevgeniy is in good standing, works as a general laborer.
Other
Yevgeniy Bitusov's problem regarding his dental treatment has not been solved for several months. He needs urgent dental care because the temporary filling has fallen out and the nerve has become exposed. Yevgeniy also complains of kidney pain; he was given the necessary medications. Recently, the believer was transferred to another unit, where the atmosphere is calmer.
Timeline
Redozubov Yuriy
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until May 2031)
Letters
Redozubov is kept in a two-story barrack for about 100 people. He finds the conditions normal; access to the banya twice a week. Although there is only a small courtyard for walks, the believer manages to do exercises. Yuriy is satisfied with the food in the penal colony. Relations with other prisoners are good. Yuriy does not work yet. He has a Bible. For some reason he does not receive letters.
Transfer of a prisoner
Yuriy Redozubov is in penal colony No. 8 for the Amur Region.
Timeline
Egozaryan Igor
Released December 5, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Believers with a disability
Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko regularly receive letters and parcels. All three have a Bible. They have the opportunity to call loved ones and shop in the store. Valeriy and Igor work in the sewing workshop, and Denis is kept in a unit for the disabled and those who do not work. In August, he was sent to the hospital at penal colony no. 8 for Udmurtia due to problems with his spine.
Other
After the transfer of Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko to the colony in Sarapul, many personal belongings were taken from them, which were allowed to be used in the previous colony. At the same time, Denis Peresunko was given the necessary inhalers, and Valery Rogozin was given his blood pressure monitor. The food in this colony, according to believers, is more varied, and prisoners do not smoke in the barracks, only in specially designated places. Bibles were confiscated from believers. Igor Yegozaryan's copy was taken away despite the fact that it bears the seals of the penal colony and the Sarapul diocese.
Timeline
Peresunko Denis
ИК № 5 по Удмуртской Республике
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until August 2026)
Believers with a disability
Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko regularly receive letters and parcels. All three have a Bible. They have the opportunity to call loved ones and shop in the store. Valeriy and Igor work in the sewing workshop, and Denis is kept in a unit for the disabled and those who do not work. In August, he was sent to the hospital at penal colony no. 8 for Udmurtia due to problems with his spine.
Letters
Denis Peresunko is in a good emotional state and regularly receives letters of support. Thanks to his exemplary behavior, he manages to maintain respectful relations with the administration of the colony and other prisoners. Denis has unstable blood pressure and also needs the help of a dentist.
Timeline
Rogozin Valeriy
ИК № 5 по Удмуртской Республике
Sentence: 6 years and 5 months
(until July 2026)
Believers with a disability
Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko regularly receive letters and parcels. All three have a Bible. They have the opportunity to call loved ones and shop in the store. Valeriy and Igor work in the sewing workshop, and Denis is kept in a unit for the disabled and those who do not work. In August, he was sent to the hospital at penal colony no. 8 for Udmurtia due to problems with his spine.
Other
After the transfer of Rogozin, Egozaryan and Peresunko to the colony in Sarapul, many personal belongings were taken from them, which were allowed to be used in the previous colony. At the same time, Denis Peresunko was given the necessary inhalers, and Valery Rogozin was given his blood pressure monitor. The food in this colony, according to believers, is more varied, and prisoners do not smoke in the barracks, only in specially designated places. Bibles were confiscated from believers. Igor Yegozaryan's copy was taken away despite the fact that it bears the seals of the penal colony and the Sarapul diocese.
Timeline
Aliyev Alam
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until March 2029)
Strict conditions of detention
In early October, Alam was transferred from the punishment cell to a unit with strict conditions for serving a sentence. On the following day, he had an extended visit from his wife, Svetlana. Thanks to this, the couple were able to celebrate their wedding anniversary. He suffers from unstable blood pressure. Moreover, the level of insulin in his blood is very high, but the course of drips for treatment, given by his wife to the medical unit back in May, was never administered to him.
Strict conditions of detention
Alam Aliyev is again held in strict conditions after being held in a punishment cell. For the entire time of his imprisonment, he has already spent 140 days in the punishment cell. He continues to be bothered by pain in his legs. The medications help a little, thanks to which Alam manages to sleep.
Timeline
Andreyev Boris
ИК № 8 по Амурской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until October 2027)
Elderly
Boris Andreyev finds the conditions of his detention satisfactory. He is kept in a barrack for about 100 people. From May to September 2025, Boris underwent cancer treatment. Granting him a status of disability is under review. He continues to receive treatment prescribed by a team of doctors. Boris is a pensioner, so he does not work. He has signed up for sewing courses, but a group has not yet been formed. The believer has a Bible. To date, Andreyev has served two-thirds of his sentence.
Transfer of a prisoner
Boris Andreyev is in penal colony No. 8 for the Amur Region.
Timeline
Solnechny Aleksey
ИК № 13 по Свердловской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Other
In the detachment, where Aleksey Solnechny is serving his sentence, repairs are underway: the walls have been painted, the batteries have been replaced, new doors are being installed. The cell in which he lives is seven-bed. Relations with prisoners and colony staff are respectful and friendly. This is the merit of Aleksey himself: he tries to be patient, compliant and sensitive to others, and his sense of humor helps him overcome difficulties.
Elderly
Nikolay Martynov, despite his retirement age, decided to volunteer for work and was sent to the carpentry workshop. Aleksey Solnechny tries to find positive aspects in his circumstances, for example, the opportunity to receive dental care. Currently, his work is keeping the territory of his unit clean. Recently he had a long visit from his wife. Sergey Kosteyev, who suffers from coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, sometimes has nosebleeds.
Timeline
Khabarov Aleksey
Released January 16, 2026
Sentence: 2 years and 4 months
Other
Living conditions in the penal colony are satisfactory. There are 15-20 people in the room. There is a refrigerator and a kettle, but there is no hot water. Aleksey has a normal relationship with the administration. At the moment, there is no work in the penal colony. Aleksey remains optimistic. He regularly takes exercise and vitamins. The believer has already received more than 2300 letters; due to the sheer number he does not manage to answer all of them.
Transfer of a prisoner
Aleksey Khabarov is in penal colony No. 9 in the Novgorod Region.
Timeline
Malevaniy Dmitriy
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 10 months
(until April 2029)
Incentive
Dmitriy Malevaniy is getting used to life in a penal colony, where he will have to serve his sentence until April 2029. The believer maintains good relations with the administration. He received an additional visit from his wife. Dmitriy has to work hard in the sewing industry to keep up with orders. Sometimes the head and eyes hurt from overexertion. The general state of health is satisfactory. The believer has the necessary medicines for a cold. Recently, there were problems with a dental filling - he is awaiting being sent to a medical institution. Malevanyi also needs to consult another doctor, for which it is necessary to pass the appropriate tests.
Other
Dmitry Malevaniy had a long meeting with his wife. According to her, his mood is calm. He works in the sewing industry, tries to adopt the skills of experienced craftsmen, works well and produces many products. However, it became more difficult to work due to the fact that Dmitriy's illnesses worsened.
Timeline
Yuferov Sergey
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until May 2029)
Incentive
Due to difficulties with documents, Sergey Yuferov cannot start working. However, he helps with installations in the electrical workshop. According to the believer, the conditions of detention are satisfactory: he has everything he needs and respectful relations with the staff.
Other
Vladimir Bukin, Sergey Yuferov, Valery Slashchev and Mikhail Burkov generally feel fine, although Valeriy's eyesight is deteriorating. The conditions of detention are acceptable. For a while, there was a problem with receiving letters, but the administration of the colony solved it, and now men can feel the support of friends. Relations with other prisoners are still normal. Vladimir is trained as a locksmith. Valeriy is involved in the preparation of musical numbers for the open day in the penal colony.
Timeline
Panyuta Olga
ИК № 10 по Приморскому краю
Sentence: 4 years and 4 months
(until April 2026)
Other
Since September, Olga Panyuta has been in general conditions of detention after a long stay in the SUS. Although the barracks where she lives is quite cool and there is no hot water, the woman is happy with the changes: there is more sun, air and physical activity. For the first time in a long time, it became possible to freely seek help from the medical unit. Sometimes Olga participates in community service. Letters from family and friends help you maintain a positive attitude. Relations with the administration are generally good.
Strict conditions of detention
Olga Panyuta, 63, needs to see a doctor. She has been diagnosed with arthritis and has pinched nerves, which makes it impossible to stand up or bend over on some days. Recently Olga suffered from acute kidney infection twice. During the second infection, she could hardly move due to the severe pain. The penal colony administration allowed her 3 days of bed rest. The believer is still under strict detention conditions. Olga tries to show kindness to other prisoners and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Timeline
Terebilov Dmitriy
ИК № 1 по Костромской области
Sentence: 4 years and 10 months
(until June 2029)
Strict conditions of detention
Dmitriy Terebilov is under strict detention conditions. There are six people in the cell. At the moment, the believer cannot call his wife, they communicate by letters. Dmitriy works — he assembles transformers. In his spare time, he reads the Bible, which he borrowed from the library in the penal colony, and replies to numerous letters, including from abroad. He is grateful to everyone who supports him and his wife emotionally and financially. All this helps him to remain optimistic.
Transfer of a prisoner
Dmitriy Terebilov is in penal colony No. 1 for the Kostroma Region.
Timeline
Kosteyev Sergey
ИК № 4 по Республике Тыва
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Mikhail Moysh and Sergey Kosteyev undergo medical examinations at Regional Tuberculosis Hospital No. 1 in Krasnoyarsk, where they were transferred from a penal colony in the Tuva Republic. The transfer took more than a week, with stops in Kyzyl and Abakan for 3-4 days. Kosteyev is in the cardiology department, and Moysh is in the surgical department. Mikhail has a tear in the tissues on his leg due to varicose veins. He also complains of frequent headaches.
Letters
Sergey Kosteyev is in a cell with two other prisoners. He has only one set of clothes, so after washing them he has to dry them on himself. Kosteyev expects that soon the heating will be turned on in the colony, the cell will be warm, and he will be able to dry his clothes on the radiator. There is only cold water in the unit. Once a week he can take a shower.
Timeline
Moysh Mikhail
ИК № 4 по Республике Тыва
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Mikhail Moysh and Sergey Kosteyev undergo medical examinations at Regional Tuberculosis Hospital No. 1 in Krasnoyarsk, where they were transferred from a penal colony in the Tuva Republic. The transfer took more than a week, with stops in Kyzyl and Abakan for 3-4 days. Kosteyev is in the cardiology department, and Moysh is in the surgical department. Mikhail has a tear in the tissues on his leg due to varicose veins. He also complains of frequent headaches.
Penalty
A few days after arriving at the colony, Mikhail Moish and Sergey Kosteev were placed in a punishment cell on trumped-up charges. After that, they were transferred to strict conditions of detention (SUS), and some time later, Moish was again placed in the SHIZO, and Kosteev in the PKT until September 25, 2025. Kostoev suffers from hypertension, receives some medical care, but needs a more thorough medical examination, like Moish, who also has chronic illnesses.
Timeline
Vlasov Andrey
ИК № 3 по Новосибирской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until May 2028)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Vlasov's state of health is satisfactory, his dental problems are being solved gradually: in August, his front teeth were treated, and for the treatment of permanent teeth, permission is needed to take the believer outside the colony. There are 80 prisoners in the detachment, who are accommodated in a two-story building. Andrey is located on the first floor, in the section for 18 people. He is under administrative supervision — every week the believer is searched by the colony staff.
Believers with a disability
The penal colony supplied Andrey Vlasov with items stipulated by his individual rehabilitation program as a disabled person: two crutches with elbow support, orthopedic shoes and trousers, a recliner chair, as well as rope supports and handrails for the bed, which, unfortunately, cannot be attached. Special handrails have been installed in the bathroom, on account of his needs. The believer was given two wheelchairs — one for outdoor use and one for indoors. It is difficult for him to use the outdoor wheelchair, since Andrey cannot go outside on it on his own. The believer is grateful to the administration for the items provided.
Timeline
Chagan Aleksandr
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 8 years
(until January 2032)
Other
Aleksandr Chagan works in the sewing workshop; he rarely receives a salary and only a very small amount. In the medical unit he is given the necessary medication to lower his blood pressure, but he has to borrow a blood pressure monitor from another prisoner. Aleksandr loves to play sports — he does exercises on the parallel bars and tries to stay in good physical shape. Two telephones are installed on the territory of the penal colony, and prisoners can call their relatives twice a week according to a schedule established for each unit.
Letters
Aleksandr Chagan is in a good emotional state, he tries to do exercises to support himself physically. He recently had a cold. Living conditions in the colony are satisfactory. Relations with the administration and other prisoners are neutral. Aleksandr has the opportunity to borrow a copy of the Holy Scriptures from the colony's library. He receives letters regularly, for which he is very grateful.
Timeline
Kalin Yaroslav
КТБ № 1 по Красноярскому краю
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Restriction of the right to medical care
On August 19, Yaroslav Kalin was taken for examination of his injured knee to the Regional Tuberculosis Hospital No 1 in Krasnoyarsk. Relatives are worried because since then they have had no contact with him. Since July, Kalin has been in acute pain, but an operation has only been tentatively scheduled for January 2026.
Restriction of the right to medical care
On July 9, when Yaroslav Kalin was doing electrical work at the medical unit, he dislocated his knee — this is a recurrence of a previous injury (meniscus tear). They administered painkillers, gave him crutches and he was temporarily released from work. A consultation with a traumatologist in a Krasnoyarsk hospital was scheduled for August 15. However, the day before, he was told that the trip was canceled, since he was not on the list. A new appointment was made for September 19.
Timeline
Ananin Sergey
ИК № 3 по Новосибирской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until January 2028)
Other
Sergey Ananin remains on bed rest, but his physical condition is stable. Relations with prisoners and the administration of the penal colony are friendly. Through letters and calls, Sergey tries to support his wife, whose father is in a hospice. The believer expresses his deep gratitude to his family and friends for their care, visits and prayers.
Other
Once again Sergey Ananin was prescribed bed rest because he had previously suffered a heart attack and has high blood pressure. He is exempt from exercising and working. Sergey was not given letters of support for about 1.5 months, but as soon as a censor started to work in the colony, more than 100 letters were handed over to him. Now he can regularly call his loved ones.
Timeline
Danielyan Aram
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 7 years
(until September 2026)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Polosenko, Denis Kuzyanin, Nikolay Vasiliyev and Aram Danielyan are respected in the penal colony. They conscientiously work in the sewing workshop. Others in their unit notice their self-control. The believers are given their letters, but with a significant delay. The medical unit supplies Polosenko with the medicines required to lower his blood pressure. Vasiliyev is still not receiving the necessary treatment. Despite this, he, like the other believers, tries to maintain a positive attitude. The believer is grateful to his friends who support his mother during this difficult time: she lives in a rural area, far from the place where her son is imprisoned, and only thanks to their help she can come to visit him. Nikolay plans to start studying psychology in open university in October.
Penalty
Danielyan, and a few days later Polosenko and Kuzyanin, were placed in a punishment cell. Aram was reprimanded for bringing a book to his workplace to pass the time — there are no orders at the sewing factory where he works.
Timeline
Polosenko Sergey
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 7 years
(until September 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Polosenko, Denis Kuzyanin, Nikolay Vasiliyev and Aram Danielyan are respected in the penal colony. They conscientiously work in the sewing workshop. Others in their unit notice their self-control. The believers are given their letters, but with a significant delay. The medical unit supplies Polosenko with the medicines required to lower his blood pressure. Vasiliyev is still not receiving the necessary treatment. Despite this, he, like the other believers, tries to maintain a positive attitude. The believer is grateful to his friends who support his mother during this difficult time: she lives in a rural area, far from the place where her son is imprisoned, and only thanks to their help she can come to visit him. Nikolay plans to start studying psychology in open university in October.
Penalty
Danielyan, and a few days later Polosenko and Kuzyanin, were placed in a punishment cell. Aram was reprimanded for bringing a book to his workplace to pass the time — there are no orders at the sewing factory where he works.
Timeline
Vasiliyev Nikolay
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 7 years
(until September 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Polosenko, Denis Kuzyanin, Nikolay Vasiliyev and Aram Danielyan are respected in the penal colony. They conscientiously work in the sewing workshop. Others in their unit notice their self-control. The believers are given their letters, but with a significant delay. The medical unit supplies Polosenko with the medicines required to lower his blood pressure. Vasiliyev is still not receiving the necessary treatment. Despite this, he, like the other believers, tries to maintain a positive attitude. The believer is grateful to his friends who support his mother during this difficult time: she lives in a rural area, far from the place where her son is imprisoned, and only thanks to their help she can come to visit him. Nikolay plans to start studying psychology in open university in October.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
In the colony, where four believers are held, there are serious problems with medical care. Nikolay Vasilyev is not yet receiving the necessary treatment due to a chronic illness. The basic living needs of prisoners are met. They regularly receive parcels and letters, and there is an opportunity to buy food in the colony's store.
Timeline
Li Anatoliy
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 5 months
(until March 2028)
Other
Conditions of detention for Anatoliy Li are generally satisfactory. He tries to remain active and participates in the cultural life of the institution, for example, he sang songs and played the guitar at a concert organized by the penal colony administration. The believer keeps in touch with his loved ones: he regularly speaks on the phone with his wife and his mother. He is given his letters, with the exception of those sent from abroad.
Other
After two months in the colony, Anatoliy Lee gets a three-day visit with his wife. According to his wife, he looks cheerful and jokes. Recently, Anatoliy was transferred to a room where repairs were made. The man works in a sewing workshop and has established himself as a responsible worker. A believer has the opportunity to read the Bible. He is supported by letters from friends and family.
Timeline
Maletskov Valeriy
ИК № 3 по Новосибирской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until March 2029)
Punishment cell
In mid-August, Maletskov spent 5 days in a punishment cell: according to Valeriy, prohibited items were planted on him, which were then found during an inspection. Since August 20, the believer has been held under strict conditions. He receives letters of support irregularly — for the entire time in the penal colony, he was given only about 50 letters. Emails do not get through. Recently, Valeriy had his first extended visit from his wife.
Other
Valeriy has good relations with other prisoners. He regularly calls his wife, son and mother. The believer misses home and loved ones. He recently got a short visit with his family.
Timeline
Chernyshev Yuriy
ИК № 3 по Смоленской области
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until October 2027)
Other
Yuriy Chernyshev continues to work in the sewing workshop. The believer remains cheerful. Every week he receives 6-8 letters of support. Yuriy still has problems with his sight, but he cannot be examined by a specialist — there are no specialist doctors in the institution. Relatives provide him with the necessary medicines, including those controlling blood pressure.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Yuriy Chernyshev is valued as an employee, and the administration treats him with respect. Recently, the believer's eyesight has deteriorated: one eye has become difficult to see, which is why Yuriy temporarily cannot read. An ophthalmologist rarely appears in the colony, but the believer has the opportunity to receive parcels with the necessary medicines.
Timeline
Suvorov Danil
ИК № 12 по Республике Мордовия
Sentence: 6 years
(until April 2026)
Punishment cell
Danil regularly receives parcels. There are 50 people in his barracks. The believer works in the sewing workshop, and he is praised for his conscientious attitude to work. A few months ago, for made-up reasons, Danil served 15 days in a punishment cell. His relations with the administration of the penal colony are normal. Prisoners note that Suvorov is not easily rattled, and one of them said: "You people should definitely not be here."
Human rights defenders
According to Danil Suvorov, the conditions of detention in the colony are normal. His health condition is not bad, but he needs dental treatment. Relations with prisoners are normal. Before him, other Jehovah's Witnesses who had earned a good reputation had already served time in this colony. Danil has a library copy of the Bible and receives letters regularly. The believer was visited by a human rights activist of one of the public organizations.
Timeline
Diarov Rustam
Released February 17, 2026
Sentence: 8 years
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Rustam Diarov is sent for treatment to the Federal State Healthcare Institution "Medical- Sanitary Unit No. 16" of the Federal Penitentiary Service in Kazan.
Health risk
Rustam Diarov's chronic kidney disease has seriously worsened: he has a high temperature, he feels weak and does not eat. The believer needs hospitalization, a full medical examination and a special diet which is impossible to adhere to in a penal colony. Taking medications has not brought any improvement. Rustam has been temporarily relieved from work.
Timeline
Ivshin Aleksandr
ИК № 12 по Ростовской области
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months
(until July 2028)
Other
Aleksandr found the transfer difficult and is now recovering physically. During the transfer, his Bible was seized. The believer is getting used to life in the penal colony; the staff of the institution treat him reasonably well. Ivshin is kept in barracks for the disabled. Despite his poor health, he shows concern for others — he lets other prisoners use his blood pressure monitor and thermometer when they feel unwell. Many are grateful to him for his help.
Letters
66-year-old Aleksandr Ivshin, who is serving a sentence in a colony for his faith, is experiencing serious health problems. Recently, his blood pressure dropped sharply, causing him to lose consciousness. He was given the necessary medications, after which the pressure returned to normal. Ivshin does not work. He is kept in a barracks for the disabled. Relations with convicts and the administration are friendly. In November 2023, the believer had a long-term date with his wife. According to him, the food in the colony is good. He regularly receives parcels, letters and necessary medicines in the right quantity, for which he is very grateful. This helps him not to lose his optimistic attitude, although his eyesight continues to deteriorate.
Timeline
Korolev Sergey
ИК № 3 по Тамбовской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until December 2027)
Other
At the moment, there are 37 people in the barracks where Sergei Korolev is being held. In the workplace, he has proven himself on the positive side, performs serious projects and enjoys the respect of colleagues. He tries to fully rest, as much as possible in the conditions of imprisonment, and take care of his health.
Other
Sergei Korolev is in the barracks with about 50 prisoners. He tries not to lose his spirits. He is very supported by letters from friends and the opportunity to have long visits with his wife. Relations with the administration of the colony and other prisoners are good.
Timeline
Chausova Oksana
Released August 28, 2025
Sentence: 1 year and 10 months
Other
Oksana works in a sewing industry, cleaning finished products. There are about 80 prisoners in the detachment where she is located. The believer faces some restrictions: there is nowhere to store personal belongings, you can wash only by agreement, and so on. It is cold and damp in the barracks, sometimes there is no hot water. Oksana has to sleep next to an open window, which is why she recently fell ill.
Other
According to Oksana, physically she is fine. So far, Oksana has received letters only from her mother and husband.
Timeline
Danielyan Andrey
СИЗО № 1 по Омской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until September 2028)
Other
Andrey is in a cell with five other prisoners. The atmosphere is respectful: smokers try to take into account the interests of non-smokers. Relations with the administration are normal. Andrey's blood pressure sometimes rises, he is bothered by lower back pain, but he has a blood pressure monitor and the necessary medications. He assesses the food as not bad.
Other
Andrey regularly receives letters, both paper and electronic. However, by order of the colony administration, personal copies of the Bible and Koran were confiscated from all convicts. Andrey is glad that he has the opportunity to read the Bible from the colony's library.
Timeline
Trofimov Aleksey
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until October 2028)
Elderly
Aleksey Trofimov is in good spirits. He is exempt from work because of his age. In the squadron, he is known as a non-confrontational and pleasant person to talk to. One of the prisoners, impressed by his behavior, said: "Borisovich, you are a holy man!" During his stay in the colony, Aleksey received about 2500 letters of support. Recently, his wife and son visited him.
Elderly
In the colony where 65-year-old Aleksey Trofimov is kept, most of the prisoners are under the age of 30. The believer is one of the oldest prisoners and enjoys the respect of others. He has a Bible, he receives 60-70 letters every month.
Timeline
Melnik Sergey
Released December 19, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Letters
The attitude of the administration and other prisoners towards Sergei Melnik is good. With some of the squad, he cooks food together, shares recipes for unusual salads. Sergey has already received more than 5 thousand letters, he receives about 60 pieces a month. He tries to answer each one.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Sergey Melnik continues to work in the canteen and lives with other employees. He has access to hot water. The physical condition of the believer stabilized. When he had back problems, he had to undergo medication.
Timeline
Druzhinin Leonid
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until May 2029)
Letters
Leonid Druzhinin's cell was renovated - it became light, plastic windows with mosquito nets were installed. Some prisoners speak warmly of Leonid. During a long meeting with his wife, one of them approached Tamara in the guest room and said that Leonid was a good foreman, he was listened to and appreciated. Another convict once turned to Druzhinin with the words: "You are such a good fellow, because few people would go to prison for their faith. You could have refused, but you made this choice, I respect you."
Other
Leonid Druzhinin recently had a 3-day date with his wife. According to her, the administration of the colony speaks of him as a hardworking, honest and decent person. As Leonid describes, the conditions of detention are normal, the food is satisfactory. A doctor in the colony prescribed him medication for hypertension and asthma. Leonid sometimes feels sad for his relatives. He is worried that his wife has to cope with all household issues alone. Being able to receive and answer letters from family and friends gives the believer the support they need.
Timeline
Litvinyuk Aleksandr
ИК № 6 по Ивановской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until February 2028)
Elderly
Aleksandr Litvinyuk takes his work seriously and shows initiative. Sometimes, he stayed in the workshop after hours to redo faulty work, which the administration of the institution noticed. Prisoners say kindly that "his presence eases the hardships of their lives." In his free time, he replies to letters of support. Recently, he had an extended visit from his wife and son. Aleksandr is still waiting for a dentist's appointment.
Other
Aleksandr Litvinyuk lives in barracks which hold about 50 people. There is a washing machine, microwave and a small refrigerator. He regularly keeps in touch with his relatives through the phone of the penal colony. He is very well-known for his kindness, and therefore, some prisoners sincerely invite him to visit them after his release. One of them, leaving the penal colony, said: "I saw your positive, joyful attitude — it helped me not to give up and not to lose hope."
Timeline
Shidlovskiy Oleg
Released November 14, 2025
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
Letters
Oleg Shidlovsky's eyesight continues to deteriorate and he still needs surgery. According to the ophthalmologist, it is impossible to carry out the the necessary procedure in the penal colony. The believer receives medication regularly. Letters to Shidlovsky have not been handed over for 6 months. He does not have a personal copy of the Bible, so the believer reads it in the library of the penal colony. Despite the difficulties, Oleg does not lose optimism and keeps in touch with his family. Recently, he had a 3-day visit from his wife.
Letters
In Colony No. 3 for the Ulyanovsk Region, the situation with receiving letters is deteriorating: they are not given to Vladimir Popov, Aleksey Goreliy, Oleg Shidlovskiy, Yevgeniy Razumov, Nikita Moiseyev. The prisoners continue working. Vladimir experiences pain in his joints and back. Aleksey also had health problems. Oleg recently underwent treatment in the hospital. Yevgeniy had an extended visit from his wife.
Timeline
Sarazhakov Denis
ИК № 1 по Республике Бурятия
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until September 2026)
Elderly
Nikolay Martynov, despite his retirement age, decided to volunteer for work and was sent to the carpentry workshop. Aleksey Solnechny tries to find positive aspects in his circumstances, for example, the opportunity to receive dental care. Currently, his work is keeping the territory of his unit clean. Recently he had a long visit from his wife. Sergey Kosteyev, who suffers from coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, sometimes has nosebleeds.
Penalty
In early May, Denis Sarazhakov was put in a punishment cell for 10 days, the exact reasons for this are unknown. Recently, he was assigned to work and started working in the carpentry shop as a woodcarver. On weekends, he sometimes plays football with other prisoners, goes to the gym and reads books from the library. He receives the full amount of the medication he needs. The believer regularly receives visits from his wife. He receives letters of support and especially appreciates those in which people share stories from their lives.
Timeline
Yermilov Sergey
ИК № 13 по Свердловской области
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until January 2029)
Other
Sergey Yermilov continues to work in the furniture workshop. Prisoners and staff address the believer by his first name and patronymic. He received a parcel with the necessary medicines for his health problems. Recently, he had an extended visit from his son and daughter-in-law.
Other
Sergey Yermilov is in a detachment of about 60 people. The colony itself is clean, with cold and hot water. The believer has good relations with other prisoners and staff of the colony, there are no disagreements with anyone. Sergey is encouraged by long visits with his wife, as well as letters from friends. He has a Bible. From the production of furniture, Sergey was transferred to the assembly site - now he is engaged in the completion of furniture fittings. The administration of the colony regularly recognizes him for his good work and places his photo on the honor board.
Timeline
Goreliy Aleksey
Released November 14, 2025
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
Letters
In Colony No. 3 for the Ulyanovsk Region, the situation with receiving letters is deteriorating: they are not given to Vladimir Popov, Aleksey Goreliy, Oleg Shidlovskiy, Yevgeniy Razumov, Nikita Moiseyev. The prisoners continue working. Vladimir experiences pain in his joints and back. Aleksey also had health problems. Oleg recently underwent treatment in the hospital. Yevgeniy had an extended visit from his wife.
Letters
Moiseev, Gorely, Shidlovsky, Razumov and Popov continue to work in the sewing workshop. Vladimir now works as an adjuster of sewing equipment. Aleksey also helps in the library. Living conditions in the colony where believers are held are satisfactory. They have good relations with the administration and other prisoners. Oleg Shidlovskiy continues to experience health problems - he has already lost sight in one eye. Vladimir Popov needs the help of a dentist.
Timeline
Zakaryan Vardan
Released October 13, 2025
Sentence: 4 years and 3 months
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Vardan Zakaryan is working in the penal colony. His 30 years experience as a tailor proved useful — the believer works in the sewing workshop and teaches other prisoners sewing skills. He is respected by the other prisoners and those in charge. Vardan is especially encouraged by reading the Bible. He reads with appreciation the letters that come from all over the world.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Vardan Zakaryan arrived at correctional colony No. 4 in the city of Torzhok (Tver region) to serve his sentence. You can write letters to the believer.
Timeline
Kosyanenko Sergey
ИК № 6 по Московской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until December 2027)
Incentive
Sergey Kosyanenko was rewarded for his hard work the sewing workshop. At the request of the administration, Sergey painted a design on one of the walls of the penal colony. In his spare time, he paints for other prisoners. The premises where Sergey is kept is warm, has a refrigerator and a TV. Since staying in the penal colony, Sergey has developed a cough. He links this to the tobacco smoke that gets into the barracks.
Other
Sergey Kosyanenko misses his family. Since he is located 1300 km from home, it is difficult for his relatives to visit him often. The believer works and actively participates in events organized by the colony: quizzes, chess tournaments, sports competitions and the design of wall newspapers.
Timeline
Mamalimov Igor
ЛИУ № 34 по Республике Хакасия
Sentence: 6 years
(until April 2028)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Igor Mamalimov continues to receive treatment, but an exact diagnosis has not yet been made. The medical staff tries to maintain his blood pressure within normal limits. The believer is kept in a unit with 60 people, who respect him. Several times, when the prisoners could not watch TV or listen to music due to power outages, Igor brightened up their free time by playing the accordion. Igor finds support and encouragement in the Bible. He is also grateful for the letters he receives regularly. Recently, he had a visit from his wife and children.
Transfer of a prisoner
Igor Mamalimov was transferred to serve his sentence in a medical correctional institution. He suffers from hypertension, so he periodically seeks medical help. A believer works in a furniture shop, has two incentives, one cash prize. He was trained as a cook. In March, Igor is scheduled to have a long meeting with his wife. She does not have the financial opportunity to come on short visits, since she lives in the Trans-Baikal Territory, which is more than 2500 km from the colony.
Timeline
Dubovenko Aleksandr
ИК № 6 по Московской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until February 2028)
Punishment cell
Aleksandr Dubovenko was placed in a punishment cell for 15 days. However, he does not lose his cheerful disposition. He often speaks to his wife over the phone. Dubovenko has a Bible; letters are passed on to him, but only 1-2 a week. He also receives parcels and packages. Aleksandr works in the sewing workshop. Relations with other prisoners are good. The barracks where he is, are warm; there is a refrigerator and a TV.
Other
Aleksandr Dubovenko works. Although he misses home, he tries not to lose heart. He is supported by reading letters and the Bible.
Timeline
Tolokonnikov Sergey
Released June 27, 2025
Sentence: 5 years and 2 months
Letters
Tolokonnikov has a Bible. He receives only paper letters, emails are not passed on to him. Sergey has been imprisoned for over 3.5 years already, and this has noticeably affected his health. He has lost more than 20 kilograms, skin problems have appeared, his vision has deteriorated, and having no gallbladder he suffers from digestive problems. He needs dental treatment. Tolokonnikov receives the necessary medications for digestion and blood pressure, but when he was seriously ill with an acute respiratory viral infection, he was not provided with medical care; other prisoners helped.
Other
The Petushinsky District Court of Vladimirskaya leaves without consideration the lawsuit filed by IK-2 Pokrov on the establishment of administrative supervision over Sergey Tolokonnikov for 8 years after his release. Currently, the believer is serving his sentence in IK-4 in the Vladimir region.
Timeline
Skachidub Vladimir
Released September 5, 2025
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Vladimir's hearing problem was resolved — doctors established the cause of progressive deafness and cured the inflammation. Also in the hospital in Ryazan, he underwent surgery for skin inflammation on his back.
Believers with a disability
Vladimir Skachidub is experiencing additional health difficulties: he has been feeling congestion and pain in his ears for a long time, which is why his hearing has deteriorated. The believer sought help from the medical unit of the colony, but could not receive it, since there is no otolaryngologist there. In addition, Vladimir suffers from hypertension and takes medications on a regular basis. Skachidub applied for parole, but was denied, despite the incentives he had for conscientious work. Also during the parole commission, the believer received a verbal reprimand for not fastening the top button on his jacket.
Timeline
Korotun Yevgeniy
ИК № 13 по Свердловской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until October 2026)
Punishment cell
For the first time in 3 years Yevgeniy Korotun ended up in a punishment cell. Generally though, the administration of the penal colony and the prisoners treat Yevgeniy with respect. He has had visits from friends and receives letters regularly.
Other
There are 74 prisoners in Yevgeniy Korotun's detachment, many of them treat him with respect. He generously shares food and clothing. I am satisfied with my work related to the receipt, collection and shipment of packaging cardboard. In his spare time, he reads the Bible and books from the colony's library. She regularly receives parcels and letters. Yevgeniy often suffers from headaches and is taking medication for heart problems.
Timeline
Stupnikov Andrey
Released December 15, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Andrey still works in the sewing workshop. Relations with the administration of the penal colony and prisoners are fine. The physical condition of the believer is satisfactory. In January 2024, Andrey fell ill; he was admitted to the hospital, but he could not be diagnosed, as this requires a more thorough examination. Stupnikov is awaiting his release to be able to have the examination. In the meantime, Andrey discusses health issues with his wife, who has a medical education. According to Stupnikov, in the penal colony it is important to act confidently, not as a victim. Prayers and reading the Bible help him with this. For that, he sets aside time around 4-5 o'clock in the morning, when no one disturbs him. Moreover, he has the opportunity to call family and close friends, and has regular short visits from his wife.
Letters
Andrey Stupnikov receives letters sent through the zonatelecom system or by registered mail.
Timeline
Ermolaev Vladimir
ИК № 3 по Забайкальскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until September 2028)
Other
Vladimir Yermolaev works in a carpentry shop. Despite frequent colds, he remains optimistic - he is happy to see his wife, especially on long dates. The believer has a Bible, he is grateful for regular letters of support.
Transfer of a prisoner
October 8. Vladimir Yermolaev is taken to Correctional Colony No. 3 in Chita. He is quarantined. Another Jehovah's Witness, Roman Baranovsky, is serving time in the same colony for his faith. Igor Mamalimov and Aleksandr Putintsev are in the process of being moved to places where they are serving their sentences. It is known that Mamalimov will serve his sentence in Abakan (Khakassia), and Putintsev in the Altai Territory.
Timeline
Zinich Yevgeniy
ИК № 11 по Ханты-Мансийскому автономному округу
Sentence: 6 years
(until March 2028)
Other
After six months spent in the colony of Nizhnevartovsk, Yevgeniy was transferred back to IK-11 in Surgut. He is kept in the EPKT. His cell is small - only 4 square meters - but warm, bright and dry. In his free time, Yevgeniy answers letters from friends that he could not answer before.
Punishment cell
Yevgeniy Zinich was sentenced to serve his sentence in strict conditions. Due to minor violations, he spent 1 year in the EPKT, 6 months in the PKT and 199 days in the punishment cell. The PKT and SHIZO are a dark cell without windows, instead of a ceiling there is a grate on which guards walk. The believer has lost 30 kilograms, and his eyesight is deteriorating due to the lack of light. For the entire time he was serving his sentence, Yevgeniy was given only one short visit with his daughter. He has already received more than 6,000 letters and answered almost 3,000 of them. He also has a Bible.
Timeline
Bushev Yevgeniy
ИК № 11 по Челябинской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until August 2029)
Other
Yevgeniy mastered a working specialty and is now employed in the colony. He received two awards from the administration. Reading the Bible and letters of support helps a believer stay optimistic.
Other
Yevgeniy Bushev is being held in the barracks along with 44 other prisoners. The conditions of detention are satisfactory, the believer has his own bed. Relations with inmates are friendly. There are no complaints from the administration. Yevgeniy is mastering a new specialty and intends to work. The believer tries to keep himself in shape by lifting a barbell. He gets letters, he has a Bible.
Timeline
Afanasiyev Sergey
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
(until April 2029)
Other
Sergey Afanasyev draws encouragement from reading the Bible and letters of support. In terms of physical health, the believer is periodically bothered by stomach pain.
Punishment cell
Sergey Afanasyev, 60, is placed in a punishment cell for 10 days for an unknown reason.
Timeline
Kardakov Sergey
ИК № 14 по Хабаровскому краю
Sentence: 6 years and 4 months
(until February 2029)
Other
Sergey Kardakov works in a sewing workshop as a supply manager and performs overlock processing of products. The believer is kept in a cell with 20 prisoners and has good relations with them. There is no smoking in the cell. Sergey's health condition is stable. He is taking the necessary medications. Kardakov tries to support his wife as much as possible. From time to time, he may respond to letters from caring people.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
The barracks where Sergey Kardakov lives are generally warm and clean. Prisoners do not smoke. Their attitude and that of the administration staff is normal. Sergey still misses his wife. Recently, they had a long date, which gave him strength. The believer has difficulties in obtaining medical care. Reading letters of support and the Bible also helps him not to lose heart.
Timeline
Filatov Aleksadr
ИК № 31 по Красноярскому краю
Sentence: 6 years
(until June 2026)
Other
Aleksandr is grateful to the colony administration for the opportunity to communicate with his family through the Zona-Telecom service. The wife regularly gives the necessary medications. Aleksandr is the only electrician in the entire colony, so he is busy with work and gets very tired. Despite his conscientious attitude to work, he is not given incentives.
Letters
During his stay in the colony, Aleksandr Filatov has earned a reputation as a conscientious worker, he is treated with respect. There are about 80 people in his squad. The believer tries not to lose courage. He takes care of his health and keeps in shape by exercising on the horizontal bar. Aleksandr appreciates the support of friends and caring people. For about two months, there were interruptions in letters, but now the situation has returned to normal.
Timeline
Sannikov Konstantin
Released September 10, 2025
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Konstantin Sannikov still needs dental treatment, but the administration of the correctional institution does not give permission to visit a doctor. Konstantin also began to hear worse after a recent illness.
Other
Konstantin was transferred to the sewing workshop. According to him, he is very tired at work, but regular reading of the Bible and letters from friends give him strength. A believer needs dental care.
Timeline
Gorbunov Anatoliy
ИК № 31 по Красноярскому краю
Sentence: 6 years
(until November 2027)
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
Gorbunov's physical condition leaves much to be desired: he suffers from severe dermatitis and varicose veins, has hearing problems, and also needs the help of a competent orthopedic dentist.
Elderly
Anatoliy is kept in a small room, where 26 other people are accommodated with him. The conditions of detention are satisfactory, but due to the lack of hot water, they have to wash cold, so prisoners often get sick. The elderly believer is respected by his cellmates for his worldly wisdom. Anatoly receives many letters of support, sometimes up to 60 per day. He has the opportunity to read literature, and follow the news.
Timeline
Shatalov Sergey
ИК № 14 по Архангельской области
Sentence: 6 years and 3 months
(until October 2027)
Other
Sergey Shatalov has a Bible. He also receives informative popular science magazines in the mail. Sergey maintains respectful relations with the administration and prisoners.
Other
Sergey works in a workshop and is kept in a barrack for 50-60 people. All rooms are very old, hot water is not supplied, there are no showers. Prisoners wash their faces with cold water from their own well. Twice a week, about 50 inmates are taken to a room with 3 showers. Sergey needs medications, which are periodically given to him. He lost a lot of weight. Reading and answering the letters he regularly receives helps him maintain a positive attitude. Recently, he had a long meeting with his wife.
Timeline
Tolmachev Andrey
ИК № 14 по Иркутской области
Sentence: 7 years
(until February 2027)
Transfer of a prisoner
Nikolay Martynov and Denis Sarazhakov are in correctional colony No. 1 in the Republic of Buryatia. Yaroslav Kalin is in penal colony No. 31 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Igor Popov is in penal colony No. 5 in the Altai Territory. Aleksey Solnechny is in penal colony No. 13 in the Sverdlovsk region. Andrey Tolmachev is in penal colony No. 14 in the Irkutsk region.
Timeline
Virich Anton
ИК № 1 по Республике Бурятия
Sentence: 6 years
(until December 2028)
Other
Anton Virich performs various works in the colony: he builds plaster partitions, welds metal gym equipment, paints walls. When he was given shoes and clothes that were too large, he sewed them over. Now he helps other prisoners with this. The colony staff are interested in if there is something that the man does not know how to do. For his love of the Bible, Anton received the nickname "saint" in the colony.
Punishment cell
November 1. The believer is in quarantine for the first week of his stay in the colony. Then, almost immediately, he is sent to a punishment cell, where he spends about 20 days. Because of this, he gets a short visit from his wife only after a month in the colony. After his release from the punishment cell, Virich received 60 letters of support. Anton does not lose heart and tries to maintain a positive attitude. He has the Bible in the Synodal translation. The barracks are warm and the food is good.
Timeline
Maladyka Vladimir
ИК № 3 по Тамбовской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until July 2026)
Other
Vladimir Maladyka receives many letters of support, but due to lack of time and problems with lighting, she manages to respond to only some of them. There are 40 other prisoners in the barracks with him. The believer has good relations with the administration of the colony and with other prisoners. Visits with his wife and regular broadcasts from relatives are a great support for him.
Letters
Vladimir Maladyka is kept in a barrack with a population of about 50 people. The believer has earned the respect of the colony administration and successfully finds a common language with other prisoners. He has a Bible, he receives letters of support. Vladimir is glad to have the opportunity to see his wife Natalia during long-term dates.
Timeline
Shmidt Igor
ИК № 10 по Ростовской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until September 2026)
Other
Igor Schmidt helps prisoners not to lose heart and find advantages in everything. For example, he encouraged one young man to take advantage of the opportunity to get a profession in the colony.
Letters
90 people live in the barracks where Igor Schmidt is kept. The believer has the opportunity to take walks in the fresh air. Lately, he has not received e-mails, and paper ones arrive with a delay and in small quantities. Igor tries not to lose his positive attitude.
Timeline
Melnik Vladimir
Released April 9, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Letters
Volodymyr Melnyk continues to receive letters through the zonatelecom system. He is also given registered letters.
Letters
In the colony where Uladzimir Melnik is now held, the conditions of detention are good. The attitude of other prisoners towards him is respectful. Due to the stress suffered during the transfer, Vladimir regularly has back pain. In order not to provoke new exacerbations, the man uses a warming ointment and does therapeutic exercises. Letters of support serve as great encouragement for Vladimir. So far, he receives them only in electronic form.
Timeline
Gerasimov Artem
ИК № 10 по Ростовской области
Sentence: 6 years
(until June 2026)
Other
Artem Gerasimov feels fine. The conditions of detention are satisfactory: there is hot water, laundry, a place for walking. In his free time, he can play sports and read books. The administration of the colony treats the believer with respect. Relations with cellmates are peaceful.
Letters
Artyom Gerasimov recently suffered a cold. He still works in the sewing workshop. The believer's relations with his cellmates and administration are neutral. Artem has a Bible. Once every two weeks, he is given 20-30 letters and parcels.
Timeline
Berchuk Aleksey
ИК № 3 по Республике Марий Эл
Sentence: 8 years
(until May 2029)
Other
Aleksey Berchuk tries not to lose heart. Although the gym has been closed in the colony, the believer still maintains his condition with physical exercises. Sometimes Aleksey participates in sports events. In September, he had an extended visit with his wife.
Incentive
October 9. Aleksey Berchuk works as a shoe repairman in the colony and regularly receives rewards. He does not complain about his health. He has the opportunity to call up his family, once every 2 months they give long-term visits with his wife. He also receives a lot of support letters. The believer has a Bible. In general, the attitude of the management and staff of the colony towards the prisoner is good. There are no problems with food, it is possible to buy groceries in the store. Three times a week, a believer can maintain his health by exercising.
Timeline
Avanesov Arsen
Released October 9, 2024
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
Other
Arsen keeps his spirits up and positive. He receives letters from friends and relatives, and they give him five a month. A believer can read a Bible borrowed from the library. The conditions of detention are satisfactory, Arsen's relations with the administration of the colony and other prisoners are conflict-free.
Other
Arsen Avanesov lives in a barracks with 90 beds, where 65 prisoners are kept. He can move around relatively freely and is allowed to make phone calls. Vilen Avanesov does not lose his sense of humor. His prison term expires in two months. The administration of the colony filed a lawsuit with the court for the appointment of administrative supervision to Vilen, but the court rejected this claim.
Timeline
Putintsev Artur
Released April 10, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Other
Artur Putintsev works in a sewing workshop. He is engaged in cutting fabric for overalls and aprons. The believer receives the food he needs in parcels or buys food in the colony's store. On the part of the administration, the attitude towards him is good, his rights are not violated. Arthur has a Bible. He receives letters of support. On the badge of Vladimir Melnik there is a sign of preventive registration as an extremist - a green stripe. In general, the believer enjoys the respect of the colony staff and other prisoners.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Artur Putintsev arrived at correctional colony No. 5 in the Oryol region, where he will serve his sentence.
Timeline
Piskarev Vladimir
Released April 9, 2025
Sentence: 6 years
Other
Vladimir Piskarev arrived at penal colony No. 5 in the Kaluga region. He is quarantined, he feels satisfied.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Vladimir Piskaryov, Artur Putintsev and Vladimir Melnik left SIZO-1 in the Oryol region. They are transferred to a colony.
Timeline
Baranovskiy Roman
ИК № 3 по Забайкальскому краю
Sentence: 6 years
(until January 2027)
Other
Roman Baranovsky is kept in a barracks, in which, in addition to him, there are about 80 other prisoners. His relationship with the administration and other prisoners is neutral. In the colony, the believer even received dental care. Roman tries not to lose heart, but he worries about his 73-year-old mother, who has to travel 2500 km to see her son. The believer took part in a professional skill competition and won first place in the profession of a tailor.
Other
The lawyer visits Roman Baranovsky in the colony. The believer remains positive, but he is very worried about his mother and really wants to see her. She tries to help him as much as she can. 5 days a week, Roman works in a sewing workshop where medical overalls are sewn. Roman gets great joy from reading the Bible and letters of support and looks forward to new ones.
Timeline
Golik Dmitriy
Released April 15, 2025
Sentence: 6 years and 2 months
Other
Dmitriy Golik is being held in a penal colony. He works at a foundry in Belogorsk, a 30-minute drive from the colony. There he works six days a week. His responsibilities include the manufacture of parts for special equipment. Dmitry is glad to have the opportunity to work - so, according to him, time flies faster. The believer receives all the necessary medicines, tries to keep himself in good physical shape, and goes in for sports. Emotionally, he is supported by regular visits with his wife and the opportunity to read the Bible. The attitude of the administration and other prisoners is good.
Transfer of a prisoner
March 23. It becomes known that Dmitry Golik is being taken to a penal colony in the Amur Region. He has been quarantined until April 4.
Timeline
Voishchev Nikolay
Released April 28, 2025
Sentence: 3 years
Elderly
Nikolay Voishchev receives the necessary medicines for his illness. He is retired and may not work. Nikolay has good relations with other prisoners, he is treated with respect, including because of his venerable age. The barracks where he lives is designed for 20 people. It has freedom of movement compared to a pre-trial detention center. The believer has a Bible. When he was in the pre-trial detention center, he received about 800 letters, but upon arrival at the colony, the letters have not yet arrived.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Nikolai Voishchev was transferred to correctional colony No. 8 in the city of Almetyevsk. He is now in quarantine.
Timeline
Terebilov Dmitriy
Sentence: 3 years
(until August 2024)
Complaints
The Kostroma Regional Court upholds the decision on Dmitry Terebilov's administrative claim against the decision of the Sverdlovsk District Court. The court refuses to declare unlawful the ban of the head of the colony on the practice of Terebilov's chosen religion. The lawyer explains what Terebilov fears in connection with the decision of the head of IK-1: "Whatever he does: read the Bible, pray to God, tell others about his faith, this can be equated with breaking the law."
Other
The Sverdlovsk District Court rejected Terebilov's complaint about the ban on using God's name in letters and professing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses in the colony. Although Judge Olga Telezhkina, by her decision, prohibits the believer from calling God by name and communicating with other convicts on biblical topics, the court believes that "the contested answer does not prevent the plaintiff from adhering to his chosen faith."
Timeline
Meleshko Vasiliy
Released July 12, 2024
Sentence: 3 years
Health risk
Vasiliy Meleshko was twice sent to the punishment cell, each time for 15 days. He is now serving his second term. In general, the believer feels alert, but feels a lack of physical activity and experiences shortness of breath.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Vasiliy Meleshko is in correctional colony No. 11 in the village of Akhtarsky, Krasnodar Territory. During the transfer, he caught a bad cold. Upon arrival at the colony, the believer is confined to a cell-type cell, a cell with a stricter regime of detention, where freedom of movement is significantly restricted.
Timeline
Ivanova Olga
Released June 11, 2024
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months
Other
December 15. Olga Ivanova is released from work in the workshop. To maintain her health, she tries to do exercises every day. The believer has the Bible and receives letters of support. She is respected by both the administration and the prisoners.
Parole
August 11. The Sovetsky District Court of the Stavropol Territory, chaired by Judge Kirill Valikov, refuses Olga Ivanova's application for parole. The believer should be released in June 2024.
Timeline
Filatov Sergey
Released January 21, 2026
Sentence: 6 years
Letters
Sergey Filatov works in the metalworking shop. He is respected by the staff of the administration, he received several awards during the year. The believer is on a light allowance, 6 times a year he can get a long visit with his wife. Parcels and letters arrive regularly. Filatov has a Bible. All this helps him to maintain a positive attitude. In December 2023, the believer filed a petition for parole, but the court rejected it.
Other
In the colony, Sergey makes garden furniture: benches and urns. The administration provides the believer with long visits.
Timeline
Parkov Aleksandr
Released August 9, 2024
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months
Letters
Alexander Parkov works in a forge, receives incentives from the administration. The believer has about 7 months of punishment left to serve. In the colony, Parkov receives the necessary medical care. He regularly receives parcels and letters.
Other
Alexander underwent dental treatment. The administration treats the believer well and allows long visits.
Timeline
Avanesov Vilen
Released February 9, 2024
Sentence: 6 years
Other
Arsen Avanesov lives in a barracks with 90 beds, where 65 prisoners are kept. He can move around relatively freely and is allowed to make phone calls. Vilen Avanesov does not lose his sense of humor. His prison term expires in two months. The administration of the colony filed a lawsuit with the court for the appointment of administrative supervision to Vilen, but the court rejected this claim.
Other
May 11. Arsen and Vilen Avanesov work in the sewing industry from 8:00 to 20:00 with short breaks during the day. They endure the harsh conditions of their stay in the colony. Arsen needs a medical examination. Vilen and Arsen have normal relations with their cellmates and the administration, as Konstantin Bazhenov , who served his sentence here for his faith, had a good reputation as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Avanesovs have several rewards. The believers are in the same colony with fellow believers from Gukovo, who were convicted in a similar criminal case.
Timeline
Nikulin Georgiy
Released December 30, 2025
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months
Other
October 9. Vladimir Atryakhin and Georgy Nikulin, who are serving sentences in a penal colony, maintain a positive attitude. Vladimir feels good, does not complain about his health. Giorgi has health problems. Believers can exercise three times a week and thus support themselves. There are no problems with nutrition. It is also possible to buy the necessary products in the store. The attitude towards prisoners is generally good. Alexei Berchuk from Blagoveshchensk, who is also serving a sentence in this colony, and Vladimir Atryakhin are kept together, their beds are nearby.
Transfer of a prisoner
Vladimir Atryakhin and Georgy Nikulin are taken to colony No. 3 in the Republic of Mari El, where they will serve their sentences. They are in quarantine, but they can already write letters.
Timeline
Danilov Oleg
Released February 29, 2024
Sentence: 3 years
Letters
October 6. Oleg Danilov is kept in a single cell room with two prisoners with whom he has developed good relations. So far, the believer receives letters only from relatives.
Transfer of a prisoner
August 31. Oleg Danilov was taken to correctional colony No. 2, located in the village of Dvubratskoye (Krasnodar Territory).
Timeline
Savelyev Yuriy
Released July 19, 2023
Sentence: 6 years
Strict conditions of detention
Yuriy is still in strict conditions of detention. Despite this, his emotional state is good, he is looking forward to his imminent release. The believer has the opportunity to walk for two hours a day in the courtyard with a length of about 100 meters. In the spring, Yuri had a severe form of pneumonia. He was placed in a hospital isolated from the rest of the prisoners because of the article under which he was convicted. Now the believer feels good, he has no complications.
Letters
The lawyer visits Yuriy in the colony. The believer reports that he submitted an application to the administration to be allowed telephone conversations with his relatives, but was refused. Optimism helps Savelyev cope with numerous difficulties. He says: "I try to focus on the positive, I pray a lot to Jehovah, I sing songs, I read letters, I answer them." To date, the believer has already received 19,221 letters from all over the world (an average of 392 letters per month).
Timeline
Nikolayev Aleksandr
Released September 19, 2023
Sentence: 2 years and 6 months
Other
March 29. At the end of the quarantine, one of the colony employees, provoking Aleksandr, tries to tear off the badge with the name and article of the believer. In spite of everything, Alexander tries to maintain a positive attitude. He submits an application to the administration of the colony with a request to be trained as a carpenter. Reading the Bible also gives him moral strength. A lawyer files a petition for parole. The hearing in the Absheronsky District Court of the Krasnodar Territory will be held on April 24.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Aleksandr Nikolayev is in penal colony No. 9 in the city of Khadyzhensk (Krasnodar Territory). Upon arrival, he was quarantined.
Timeline
Shevchuk Aleksandr
Released November 3, 2023
Sentence: 2 years
Transfer of a prisoner
It turns out that Aleksandr Shevchuk was transferred back to colony No. 12 in the Republic of Mordovia.
Restriction of the right to medical care
Another 38 people are being held in the barracks with Oleksandr Shevchuk. The believer has not yet been given the necessary medicines (he suffers from a serious chronic illness). Due to the need for ophthalmic treatment, Shevchuk is temporarily transferred to a medical institution in the village of Barashevo.
Timeline
Korolev Aleksandr
Released June 14, 2024
Sentence: 2 years
Other
It becomes known that Aleksandr Shevchuk, Denis Antonov and Aleksandr Korolev arrived at Correctional Colony No. 12 in the Republic of Mordovia to serve their sentences. They can write letters.
Timeline
Antonov Denis
Released June 14, 2024
Sentence: 2 years
Other
It becomes known that Aleksandr Shevchuk, Denis Antonov and Aleksandr Korolev arrived at Correctional Colony No. 12 in the Republic of Mordovia to serve their sentences. They can write letters.
Timeline
Beltikov Maksim
Released September 15, 2023
Sentence: 2 years
Other
August 10. Maksim was visited by a public defender in the colony. The believer does not complain about his health, but he is worried about his gradually weakening eyesight, and there is no way to invite an ophthalmologist to the colony. But Maxim is not discouraged, he is supported by letters from fellow believers, which he still receives in large quantities. He is also pleased that he is treated well in the colony.
Other
The lawyer visits Maksim Beltikov in the colony. He is being held in a 4-bed cell with two other prisoners. Maksim's relations with his cellmates and the administration of the colony are friendly. Upon arrival at the correctional facility, Beltikov sought medical help in connection with a gastrointestinal disease and high blood pressure. Now he receives part of the necessary medicines, the rest of the prescription drugs his wife will give him in the near future. He maintains a positive attitude.
Timeline
Shcherbina Aleksandr
Released February 22, 2023
Sentence: 2 years
Other
The lawyer visits Aleksandr Shcherbina in correctional colony No. 10 in Rostov-on-Don. The believer says that the conditions of his detention are normal, his health is satisfactory. He has a Bible and receives regular letters of support. For the entire time of imprisonment, he received about 3000 of them. The administration and cellmates treat the believer with respect. In the colony, Aleksandr learned to be an auto mechanic, and plans to start working soon.
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that Aleksandr Shcherbina was transferred to Correctional Colony No. 10 in Rostov-on-Don.
Timeline
Baranovskaya Valentina
Released May 3, 2022
Sentence: 2 years
Release from penal colony
The Supreme Court of the Republic of Khakassia does not satisfy the prosecutor's appeal against the court's decision of February 22, 2022. The believer receives parole. Valentina Baranovskaya is released.
Elderly
The lawyer visits Valentina Baranovskaya in the penal colony. The woman continues to struggle with the progressive disease, in addition, she feels the pressure from the institution. For example, the administration of the colony took away from her the Bible in the Synodal translation of the Orthodox publishing house, referring to a certain explanation of the priest serving at the colony. A lawyer's request was sent to the administration of the colony on this fact.
Timeline
Andreyev Andrey
Released February 22, 2023
Sentence: 4 years and 6 months
Other
The lawyer visits Andrey Andreev in Penal colony No. 2 in Lipetsk. The believer was transported for 2 weeks along the route Kursk – Voronezh – Lipetsk. The conditions of detention in the detachment are normal: there is a shower with hot water, a refrigerator, a microwave and a TV. Andrey regularly communicates with his wife Svetlana via a payphone. Maintains a positive attitude, is in good physical shape. The prisoners treat him with respect.
Other
It becomes known that Andrey Andreev is in correctional colony No. 2 in Lipetsk. Probably, he will serve his sentence there. You can send him letters.
Timeline
Britvin Sergey
Released December 29, 2021
Sentence: 4 years
Release from penal colony
Sergey Britvin and Vadim Levchuk are released after serving the full 4 years in prison assigned to them by the court.
Other
Levchuk is transferred to strict conditions of serving a sentence (SUON), since he was previously unreasonably recognized as a malicious violator of the order. The premises of the SWAN are designed for 40 people, but are not fully filled. There is a sports ground, a place to relax, to watch TV and to eat. It is very cold indoors before the start of the heating season. The food is satisfactory.
Timeline
Levchuk Vadim
Released December 29, 2021
Sentence: 4 years
Release from penal colony
Sergey Britvin and Vadim Levchuk are released after serving the full 4 years in prison assigned to them by the court.
Other
Levchuk is transferred to strict conditions of serving a sentence (SUON), since he was previously unreasonably recognized as a malicious violator of the order. The premises of the SWAN are designed for 40 people, but are not fully filled. There is a sports ground, a place to relax, to watch TV and to eat. It is very cold indoors before the start of the heating season. The food is satisfactory.
Timeline
Polyakov Sergey
Released November 30, 2022
Sentence: 3 years
Transfer of a prisoner
A lawyer visits Sergey Polyakov in a penal colony in Valdai. The transfer of the believer to serve his sentence took almost 2 months: from Omsk to Yekaterinburg, from there to Kirov, then to Yaroslavl, to Veliky Novgorod and, finally, to the city of Valdai in the Novgorod region. At one of the sections in the car, ventilation did not work well, it was hot, and the prisoners often smoked, which made it difficult for Sergey to breathe. In the pre-trial detention center of Veliky Novgorod, the conditions of detention were difficult: the windows were bricked, there was no bed linen, ventilation was not turned on, rats penetrated into the cell from a hole in the sewer pipe.
Transfer of a prisoner
The whereabouts of Sergey Polyakov are being clarified: he has been transferred to correctional colony No. 4 in the Novgorod Region, which is located in the city of Valdai. According to Anastasia Polyakova, who received the first letter from the colony from her husband, Sergey has already been given overalls and is in quarantine for two weeks. After that, he will begin working at one of the production enterprises of the colony.
Timeline
Seidkuliev Rustam
Released April 7, 2023
Sentence: 2 years and 4 months
Transfer of a prisoner
It becomes known that in early September, Rustam Seidkuliev was transferred from SIZO-1 to Correctional Colony No. 33, located on the outskirts of the city of Saratov. There he will serve his sentence for his Christian beliefs.
Timeline
Klimov Sergey
Released July 26, 2023
Sentence: 6 years
Other
The lawyer visits Sergey in IK-8. The health of the believer still leaves much to be desired. His eyesight is deteriorating, and he recently had to buy new glasses. According to the lawyer, Sergey's relations with his cellmates are respectful. One of the employees of the colony, in an interview with a lawyer, notes that Sergey is a normal, problem-free person, because he is imprisoned "for his convictions." Sergey has a Bible. Letters, parcels and parcels arrive without delay.
Other
From Medical and Correctional Institution No. 7, where Sergey underwent serious treatment for a month, he was transferred back to IK-8. His wife Yulia reports that, in general, Sergey feels well, although his eyesight is deteriorating. She manages to give him medicines, as well as insect and mouse repellents. Bed linen and towels are not accepted. In the colony, Sergey learns woodworking.
Timeline
Miretskiy Aleksey
Released August 2, 2021
Sentence: 2 years
Other
Aleksey Miretskiy is released after serving the 2 years in prison assigned to him by the court.
Other
The Orenburg Regional Court refuses to satisfy the appeal against the decision of the Central District Court of Orenburg, which did not agree to replace the believer's unserved part of the sentence with a fine.
Timeline
German Gennadiy
Released July 28, 2021
Sentence: 2 years
Other
Gennady German and Roman Gridasov are released, having fully served the 2 years assigned to them. At the entrance to the Orenburg colony, they are greeted by family members, friends and acquaintances who came from Saratov 800 kilometers away.
Other
Due to the epidemiological situation, communication with prisoners takes place by phone through a glass partition. Previously, they lived in one barracks, but recently Roman and Gennady were transferred to another, with worse conditions of detention. Everyone has good relations with the prisoners of the colony. They are unable to communicate with their wives as often as they would like due to problems with payphones. All believers suffered from viral diseases. Gennadiy has been missing his sense of smell and taste for more than a month. Alexey Budenchuk is worried about his family, who are faced with a series of life troubles.
Timeline
Gridasov Roman
Released July 28, 2021
Sentence: 2 years
Other
Gennady German and Roman Gridasov are released, having fully served the 2 years assigned to them. At the entrance to the Orenburg colony, they are greeted by family members, friends and acquaintances who came from Saratov 800 kilometers away.
Other
Judge of the Orenburg Regional Court Tatyana Pazhdina leaves unchanged the decision of the court of first instance on the refusal of Roman Gridasov to replace the unserved part of the term with a fine.
Timeline
Christensen Dennis
Released May 23, 2022
Sentence: 6 years
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
After a month spent in the hospital for examination, Dennis Christensen returns to colony No. 3 in the city of Lgov. He feels satisfied. The believer must serve in the colony for another 10 months. As the number of prisoners in the colony has decreased, even in strict conditions of detention, Dennis has more personal space - instead of 12, 7-8 people now live with him.
Medical treatment within the Federal Penitentiary Service
June 28. Dennis Christensen was transferred to penal colony No. 2 in Kosinovo, Kursk region, for a routine medical examination.
Timeline
Budenchuk Aleksey
Released July 5, 2021
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months
Other
Alexey Budenchuk is leaving a penal colony in Orenburg after more than 3 years in prison.
Other
Due to the epidemiological situation, communication with prisoners takes place by phone through a glass partition. Previously, they lived in one barracks, but recently Roman and Gennady were transferred to another, with worse conditions of detention. Everyone has good relations with the prisoners of the colony. They are unable to communicate with their wives as often as they would like due to problems with payphones. All believers suffered from viral diseases. Gennadiy has been missing his sense of smell and taste for more than a month. Alexey Budenchuk is worried about his family, who are faced with a series of life troubles.
Timeline
Bazhenov Konstantin
Released May 4, 2021
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months
Transfer of a prisoner
Konstantin Bazhenov leaves the colony in Dimitrovgrad ahead of schedule after more than 3 years of imprisonment, but law enforcement officers again detain the believer. Bazhenov is sent to a deportation center because his Russian citizenship has been revoked due to criminal prosecution. The believer will be deported to the territory of Ukraine.
Other
The Dimitrovgrad City Court of the Ulyanovsk Region satisfies Konstantin Bazhenov's repeated petition for parole.
Timeline
Makhammadiyev Feliks
Released December 30, 2020
Sentence: 3 years
Other
The Belyaevsky District Court of the Orenburg Region decides to leave Felix Makhammadiyev in the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons until February 28, 2021. During this time, documents must be prepared for his deportation from Russia.
Release from penal colony
December 31. After serving his full sentence, Felix Makhammadiev leaves penal colony No. 1 in Orenburg. He is placed in the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons, located in the village of Alabaytal (Orenburg Region), because after the verdict his Russian citizenship was revoked and he is subject to return to his country of birth. This happened due to the fact that for his faith he was found guilty under an "extremist" article.
Timeline
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