NEW CRIMINAL CASE AND HOUSE ARREST OF TWO BELIEVERS IN PERM TERRITORY
Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, 21 September 2018
On 17 September 2018 in Perm and other cities of Perm territory such as Gubakha and Ocher sweep searches were conducted in the homes of citizens who are suspected of professing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. Several citizens were arrested and interrogated, including 77-year-old Boris Burylov. According to preliminary information, after three days of detention in a pretrial cell, 50-year-old Igor Turik and 51-year-old Viktor Kuchkov were placed under house arrest.
A criminal case against these citizens was opened on 7 September 2018 by an investigator for especially serious cases of the investigative department of the Russian directorate of the F.S.B. for Perm territory. Turik, Kuchkov, and Burylov are charged with violation of article 282.2(1) (organizing an extremist society). According to existing information, the special services tapped their telephones and conducted surveillance of them.
During searches, cell phones and other electronic devices were confiscated from citizens. During searches and interrogations, F.S.B. personnel threatened citizens with long prison terms.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the country mistakenly interpret peaceful meetings of believers as "extremist activity." Dozens of rights advocates and also the Council on Human Rights under the Russian president express their concern about growing religious repressions. (tr. by PDS, posted 21 September 2018)
Related story:
Prosecutor
claims Jehovah's Witnesses' crime is severe
September 19, 2018
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