Biography
In September 2021, law enforcement authorities began the criminal prosecution of Elena Nesterova, an accountant from Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This became a new hardship in her already difficult life. The believer was charged under two articles merely for talking about the Bible.
Elena was born in March 1967 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Khabarovsk Territory, in a working-class family. Eight years later, her brother was born. When Elena was 18, her father passed away.
Elena's hobbies in childhood were dancing and athletics. Later, her taste changed drastically: instead of dancing, she enjoyed motorcycles, cars, and music.
Elena worked in a payroll accounting department and later as a merchandiser. After her divorce, she learned to be a manicurist, but she developed an allergy to gel and varnishes, so she had to find other work. Prior to her retirement in 2020, Elena worked in the cleaning industry at Gorvodokanal. Her current hobbies are painting and swimming. Elena knows Russian sign language.
After getting to know Jehovah's Witnesses, Elena was drawn to their honesty and their organized approach to things. As she studied the Bible with them, she was surprised at its logical and simple explanation of the prospect of living forever. Love for God and gratitude to him prompted Elena to join this religion in 1997. Elena's mother does not share her daughter's beliefs, but she respects her choice. They often read the Bible together.
Elena has two daughters. The younger daughter lives in another city; she has her own family. The older daughter died tragically in 1998. Elena says that the hope of an earthly resurrection became even more valuable to her at that time and supports her to this day.
The unexpected criminal prosecution, which Elena considers completely groundless, left a deep imprint on the daily life of this believer. “I shudder from every rustle in the entrance, from any car that slows down outside my window. Problems with my spine have worsened,” said Elena. “My family still can’t believe that I'm a ‘criminal.’ They are very supportive, and they assure me that everything will be fine.”