Case of Akopyan in Prokhladny
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May 16, 2017
The city court of the city of Prokhladny (Kabardino-Balkaria) begins consideration of the case on charges of Arkadi Hakobyan of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. He is charged with humiliating the dignity of persons of other religions and distributing religious literature among fellow believers. The preliminary hearings were held behind closed doors.
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May 18, 2017
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June 7, 2017
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From 15.06.2017 to 10.01.2018
The Prokhladnensky District Court is starting to consider the criminal case. 9 volumes of the case were announced. The accusation is based on the testimony of 5 witnesses who, confused in their testimonies, claim that Arkadya Hakobyan instructed them to massively distribute the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, although they attended only a few services, and they themselves were not Jehovah's Witnesses. They also state that Hakobyan criticized other religions in his speech at the service.
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From 11.01.2018 to 31.01.2018
The defense presents its evidence to the court, which refutes all the testimony of prosecution witnesses. The lawyer interrogates Hakobyan's wife, who is not a baptized Jehovah's Witness, who characterizes her husband as a kind, sympathetic person who respects people of different nationalities, cultures and religions.
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February 1, 2018
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March 20, 2018
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From 14.05.2018 to 15.05.2018
The court interrogates the expert Irina Balova, whose conclusion is the basis of the charges. The court identifies significant shortcomings in this conclusion and decides to appoint a new examination, despite the objections of the state prosecutor.
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June 1, 2018
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December 21, 2018
In the Prokhladnensky District Court, the debate of the parties began. The prosecutor's office demands a 3-year suspended sentence for the believer. After Arkady Hakobyan made his last speech, the court retires for sentencing.
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December 25, 2018
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December 27, 2018
Judge Oleg Golovashko finds the believer guilty and sentences the 70-year-old pensioner to 120 hours of compulsory labor.
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December 29, 2018
Three appeals against the verdict of the Prokhladnensky District Court were filed with the Supreme Court of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic - from Arkadi Hakobyan himself and his lawyers.
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January 4, 2019
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February 14, 2019
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March 1, 2019
The Supreme Court of Kabardino-Balkaria overturns the conviction. The case was dismissed. Arkady Hakobyan is considered not to have a criminal record.
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June 6, 2019