Dennis Christensen. Photo source: Simon Kruse / Berlingske
The debate of the parties in the case of the Danish believer in Oryol may begin as early as January 21, 2019
Oryol RegionOn January 21, 2019, the hearing in the case of Jehovah's Witness Dennis Christensen will continue at the Oryol Railway Court. Probably, on this day, the debate of the parties will begin, during which the representatives of the prosecution will declare what punishment, in their opinion, should be imposed on the believer. After the debate, the defendant will be given the last word and the court will retire to the deliberation room for sentencing.
On January 16, 2019, the court almost completed the judicial investigation of the case. Witnesses for the prosecution and defense were questioned, and the materials and evidence in the case were examined. The defendant presented his explanations to the court. The defense party filed petitions, the resolution of which was postponed until January 21, 2019. The parties confirmed to the court that they were ready to speak in the debate.
The charge against Dennis Christensen of "organizing the activities of an extremist organization" (Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) is based on a court decision to liquidate and ban the activities of a local religious organization (LRO) of Jehovah's Witnesses in the city of Orel. The believer himself denies any connection with extremism and insists on his complete innocence.
The hearing will begin on January 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Oryol at 45-a Maxim Gorky Street.