In Primorye, the Verdict Against Anton Virich for Faith Entered into Force. The Court of Appeal Reduced the Sentence to 6 Years in a Penal Colony

On August 1, 2024, the judicial chamber of the Primorye Territorial Court upheld the guilty verdict against Anton Virich for organizing the activity of an extremist organization but reduced the term by 2 months. According to the defense, the decisions of the courts erroneously equate the peaceful practice of faith to unlawful activity.

During the proceedings in the court of first instance, it was found that four expert conclusions were drawn up in violation of the law. They do not contain documents on the education of the experts and do not indicate the religious research methods they used. Because of this, it is impossible to check to what extent their conclusions are reasonable and reliable. In addition, as the believer's lawyer noted in his appeal, the court was unable to prove the motives of religious hatred and enmity that Virich was allegedly guided by.

In July 2023, Anton Virich was detained by traffic police, from whom he learned that he had been on the wanted list and under a recognizance agreement for some time. After that, Virich was taken to the village of Luchegorsk, where he was formally charged. From that time until the sentencing, he was in pretrial detention.

At the time of publication of this news, 58 Jehovah's Witnesses have faced criminal prosecution for their faith in the Primorye Territory, more than in any other region of the Russian Federation.