Parole Denied: Seriously Ill Believer Will Not Be Released Early

Anatoliy Marunov, 72, remains in custody. On July 2, 2026, the Rasskazovskiy District Court of the Tambov Region once again denied his release on health grounds. The closed hearing was held via videoconferencing and lasted only about 10-15 minutes.

Anatoliy Marunov has been behind bars since July 2023. During this entire time, he has struggled with a number of serious chronic conditions: hypertension, heart failure, and prostatic hyperplasia. Even before his criminal prosecution, he suffered a cerebral infarction and had his gallbladder removed; in early 2025, he had a cystostomy.

According to Alfiya, who visited her husband at the end of May 2026, they managed to secure the necessary examinations, treatment, and proper attention from the colony medical staff. However, nutrition at the colony remains inadequate, and Anatoliy continues to lose weight. In the first year of his imprisonment, he lost more than 20 kg. While behind bars, a medical commission registered him as a disabled person. "Anatoliy was registered disabled. He turned into a disabled person, after only 1 year in the colony!" said Alfiya.

The judge found Anatoliy's condition acceptable for continued imprisonment in the colony. The administration of the correctional facility also saw no grounds for release, stating that "during his sentence in the penal colony, the purpose of the criminal sentence — namely, the rehabilitation of the offender — has not been achieved." Meanwhile, the penal colony described Anatoliy as follows: "He is sociable and balanced. He gets along with others. He does not have conflicts with others. He is polite and tactful with the administration."

Anatoliy receives letters from different countries — sometimes dozens in a single day. Other inmates treat the believer with respect: many turn to him for advice and help, and some simply to talk. They affectionately call him dad and granddad, and do not use profane language in his presence.

For remaining faithful to his religious beliefs, Anatoliy is set to spend 2 more years in prison.