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Security Forces in Yet Another Region of the Russian Federation Initiated a Case Against Jehovah's Witnesses. Searches and Interrogations Took Place in Elista
KalmykiaIn Elista, on February 28, 2023, searches were conducted in at least three places. Kalmykia security officials suspect local residents of extremism because they profess the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses. After being searched and interrogated, Kishta Tutinova was placed in a temporary detention center for two days.
The FSB Directorate for the Republic of Kalmykia is responsible for the raid. On February 16, Investigator D. V. Menkenov initiated a criminal case against Kishta Tutinova for organizing the activity of an extremist organization, as well as against unidentified persons for participating in this activity (parts 1 and 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The investigation believes that Tutinova, from her home, "conducts religious meetings and directly participates in them by means of online videoconferencing and also involves the residents of the region in the activities of this organization for the purpose of propaganda."
Update.
The search in Kishta Tutinova’s house began early in the morning and lasted almost three hours. It was conducted by five law enforcement officers. According to the believer, the security forces did not provide documents authorizing the search. They seized a Bible, three mobile phones, personal letters and notes. Despite the believer's requests, she was not given copies of the search protocol or the interrogation protocol.
By 5 p.m., Kishta Tutinova was taken to the detention center. One of the FSB officers handed her five liters of water and a cupcake to take with her. The believer, who is 62 years old, spent two days in the temporary detention facility, after which, on March 1, the court placed her under house arrest.
The believer was taken to the apartment of one of her sons, where a search was conducted but nothing was seized. As part of this criminal case, searches were conducted at the homes of two other women. Electronic devices, personal correspondence and notes were seized from both of these homes. One believer was immediately brought in for interrogation. An ambulance had to be called for the second woman during the investigative actions.
According to human rights activists, in 2023, repressions against Jehovah's Witnesses are gaining momentum, despite the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, which completely exonerated them.
