4 more criminal cases for faith in Perm

It became known that from September 24 to September 26, 2018, the Directorate of the FSB of Russia for the Perm Territory initiated at least 4 more criminal cases against local residents who are suspected of professing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation in the activities of an extremist community). Earlier in Perm, 2 criminal cases for faith had already been initiated: one is being investigated by the Investigative Committee, the second by the FSB.

On May 22, 2018, employees of the Investigative Committee detained Aleksandr Solovyov and his wife at the exit from the train in Perm. After 2 days in the detention center, Solovyov was placed under house arrest. Later, on September 17, 2018, in a number of cities of the Perm Territory, the FSB conducted rolling searches in the homes of citizens. After 3 days of detention in the detention center, Igor Turik and Viktor Kuchkov were placed under house arrest.

In total, more than 90 criminal cases for faith have been initiated in 30 regions of Russia. In 30 criminal cases against citizens, a preventive measure related to detention or house arrest has been chosen. Dozens of human rights activists, as well as the Human Rights Council under the President of the Russian Federation , express concern about the growing religious repression.