The Case of Anufriev and Others in Kstovo

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Case History

In July 2024, mass searches took place in the Nizhny Novgorod and Astrakhan regions, as a result of which three married couples ended up in a pre-trial detention center. Two weeks earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs initiated a criminal case against peaceful believers for participating in extremist activities. The criminal case was based on the testimony of classified witnesses, as well as hidden audio and video recordings of worship services that had been held for several years.

Timeline

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June 17, 2024
Case initiated
Investigator of the Department of Internal Affairs "Kstovsky", Captain of Justice E. A. Ryabkova initiates a criminal case for participation in the activities of an extremist organization.
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July 2, 2024
Search Temporary detention facility Interrogation Minors Prosecution of several family members
In the Nizhny Novgorod and Astrakhan Regions, Searches at homes of Jehovah's Witnesses Were Carried Out. Six Believers Detained
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July 3, 2024
Detention center Prosecution of several family members
Judge of the Kstovo City Court Sergey Evdokimov chooses a preventive measure in the form of detention for three detained married couples of Jehovah's Witnesses.
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July 15, 2024
Detention center Prosecution of several family members
Andrey Mikholap and Vladimir Anufriyev are being held in double cells. There are three women together with Anastasia Anufrieva. The food in the pre-trial detention center is satisfactory.
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August 8, 2024
Case initiated
The criminal case against the six believers is being transferred to the investigative unit of the Main Investigation Department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The investigation team is headed by the deputy head of the department, Yevgeniy Mokhnonogov.
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December 5, 2024
Detention center
The court once again extends the period of detention in the pre-trial detention center. The courtroom is the only place where spouses can see each other. All three couples have been under arrest for more than five months.