Case of Sveshnikov in Kovrov

Case History

In August 2023, the Investigative Committee for the Vladimir Region opened a criminal case, the defendant of which was the father of many children, Mikhail Sveshnikov. At the time of his arrest, Mikhail was thrown to the ground and his hands were twisted behind his back. After the searches, the believer was detained for a day, and then placed under house arrest. The investigation considered his participation in the worship services of Jehovah’s Witnesses to be extremism.

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    August 21, 2023 Case initiated Art. 282.2 (2)

    Investigator for especially important cases of the Investigative Department for the city of Kovrov of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Vladimir Region Y. N. Nikulin initiates a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation in the activities of an extremist organization) against 54-year-old Mikhail Sveshnikov.

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    August 23, 2023 Search Case initiated House arrest Interrogation Temporary detention facility

    Two law enforcement officers detain Mikhail Sveshnikov on the street near his house. They run up to him from behind and knock him to the ground. The believer is searched and his smartphone is seized. Senior Lieutenant of Justice A. O. Blokhin reads out the decision of the Kovrov City Court on the initiation of a criminal case and the conduct of a search. During the investigative actions, video is being filmed. Law enforcement officers seize electronic devices, bank cards, greeting cards. Mikhail and his son are taken for interrogation. Then Mikhail was escorted to the temporary detention center in Kameshkovo. The interrogation of his son continues until late in the evening.

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    August 24, 2023 House arrest

    The Kovrov City Court of the Vladimir Region chooses a measure of restraint for Mikhail Sveshnikov in the form of house arrest.