Biography
For more than 30 years, Igor Balashov worked as a massage therapist — he helped people forget about pain, restored their freedom of movement and their joy of living. In February 2026, he was charged with organizing the activity of an extremist organization for his faith in Jehovah God. The search and interrogation, during which the believer was not allowed to drink and take his necessary medication for several hours, affected his health. Later, a medical examination revealed that he had a ministroke and signs of a heart attack.
Igor was born on December 5, 1966, in Tavolzhanka, Ulyanovsk Region. He has two younger sisters. Their father worked as a turner and their mother managed a food factory. When Igor was 26 years old, his father passed away.
As a child, Igor was active and curious: he went skiing and cycling, played ice hockey, went to the forest and fishing, read a lot, including the Bible that his mother had bought. He had many friends.
After school, he graduated from a medical college, took courses in microbiology and qualified as a massage therapist. He worked as a microbiologist in a laboratory, then as a nurse in a hospital, and later as a medical massage therapist in the local clinic. Patients valued him as a specialist.
Balashov met his future wife at college — Lyubov was his fellow student. They got married in 1986 after graduating. Since their student days, the couple have kept the tradition of daily walks together. They are united by faith in God, love for nature and books. Igor is interested in everything related to airplanes, loves outdoor activities, hiking and camping, and cycling in the countryside. In his profession, he is constantly adopting modern methods and keeping up with current trends in medicine. The couple raised four children — a daughter and three sons. Lyubov worked as a nurse and is now retired.
In the fall of 1991, a colleague introduced Igor to Bible teachings. He was convinced of the relevance of the Holy Scriptures by how its ancient sanitary standards align with modern scientific data, as well as by the precise fulfillment of its prophecies. Igor started applying Bible principles in his life, for example he quit smoking. Lyubov noticed the changes taking place in him and also became interested in the Bible. The couple were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in July 1992.
The criminal prosecution had a negative impact on the life and health of the family. After the search, interrogations and being in the temporary detention facility, Igor needed prolonged medical treatment. He also could no longer provide for his family nor take care of his mother, who is already over 80. She lives 200 kilometers from her son and suffers from hypertension and diabetes.
Igor says that neighbors and colleagues are concerned about his health and believe that there has been a mistake, because "it cannot be that such a kind and gentle person is accused of extremism."