Biography
In November 2021, security forces searched the home of Denis Sarazhakov, who lived with his wife in the village of Askiz (Republic of Khakassia). He was arrested and taken to Irkutsk - 1500 kilometers from home. Because of his faith in Jehovah God, he was thrown into a pre-trial detention center.
Denis was born in May 1988 in the city of Sayanogorsk (Republic of Khakassia). The parents raised five children: 4 boys and a girl. Now his mother and father are retired.
At school, Denis studied excellently and finished it with a silver medal. He also attended several sports sections and was fond of stone carving.
Denis graduated from the Polytechnic College with honors. There he got the profession of a technician for the maintenance and repair of cars, but worked in other fields - a master of finishing works, and then an advertising manager.
Already from his school years, Denis was familiar with the Bible and was drawn to the spiritual. Over the years, he gained the confidence to live in harmony with Bible principles and decided to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Later, driven by peace-loving Christian convictions, Denis defended his right to alternative service, but did not have to undergo it for health reasons.
Denis met his future wife Olesya in his youth. From childhood, she was attracted by the biblical promises of a wonderful future and an understandable description of the qualities of God. In 2007, Denis and Olesya got married. She works as a manicurist. The couple share a love for sports, go hiking, ride bicycles. Denis is also fond of football. The Sarazhakovs love to cook together and spend time with friends.
After the arrest of Denis, Olesya had to leave her home, friends and go to distant Irkutsk to take care of her husband. Against the background of stress after the arrest of her son, Denis's mother had a microstroke, and she was hospitalized.
Denis has a good reputation and is respected by his colleagues. Relatives and friends, as well as everyone who knows him, consider it absurd that this kind, responsible and sympathetic young man was branded an "extremist".