Investigator of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol A. Rudoy opens a criminal case against a 59-year-old resident of the village of Mirnoye, Galina Privalova. She is suspected of financing extremist activities.
The first hearing in the case is taking place at the Simferopol District Court, presided over by Andrey Kulishov.
After hearing the charges, the court asks Privalova whether she admits her guilt. The believer explains: "I am essentially charged for believing in God and remaining one of Jehovah's Witnesses."
"I am a Christian," says Privalova, "so my views are directly opposite to hostility, hatred, and what is called extremism. The materials of the criminal case do not prove otherwise."
Galina Privalova refuses a lawyer, but the judge does not grant the motion — she will be represented by a state-appointed attorney.
A witness for the prosecution is interrogated. In response to the prosecutor’s question about Privalova’s role at meetings for worship, the witness answers briefly: "Attendee. Attendees have no duties — they come to meetings at their own discretion."
The court establishes that the only monetary transfer in the case — 1,000 rubles — is dated 2022 and was sent by Privalova personally to the witness. He describes it as aid for those in need during the COVID period — "for families who suffered and could not work due to health reasons."
Galina Privalova asks the witness for the prosecution: "Is the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the distribution of their teachings banned in Russia? Has the court banned the activity of the 'Simferopol — Molodyozhnoye' congregation? Is the 'Simferopol — Molodyozhnoye' religious group included in the list of banned extremist organizations on the Ministry of Justice website?" The witness answers all these questions in the negative.
Three witnesses for the prosecution are being questioned, two of whom work for the FSB and the Center for Counteracting Extremism of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. All of them state that the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses is not banned in Russia.
FSB officer Latyshev, when asked whether the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses are banned in Russia, replies that he is not aware of any ban, adding: "Simply gathering and discussing Bible topics is allowed." He also finds it difficult to answer whether members of the religious community have the right to practice their faith in accordance with Article 28 of the RF Constitution.
The court questions Aleksandr Voronchikhin. The prosecutor asks the court to read out the testimony of this witness from another case. Voronchikhin states that he previously withdrew that testimony because it was given under pressure. The court denies the prosecutor's motion, finding no connection between the testimony and the present case.
The lawyer asks the representative of the Center for Counteracting Extremism whether a person who joins a meeting for worship of Jehovah's Witnesses via videoconferencing is breaking the law. Yatsenko responds: "If it is no more than twice, then it is allowed. So that it is not systematic. It will also be a violation if the person gets baptized." Yatsenko does not specify which legal provisions this opinion is based on.