Case of Chernov in Tavrichanka

The security forces begin operational-search measures against Viktor Chernov and several other Jehovah's Witnesses - an audio recording of the services is being made.

The Chernov case is separated from the Lonshakov case. Viktor is charged with organizing the activities of an extremist organization.

Viktor Chernov comes on a summons to the Investigative Committee in the village of Volno-Nadezhdinskoye. He was detained and taken to the temporary detention center in the city of Artyom. Victor's son is also being interrogated.

The investigator and the prosecutor petition for Viktor's detention. Judge of the Nadezhdinskiy District Court Diana Merzlyakova sends Chernov under house arrest for 1 month and 27 days.

The court releases Viktor Chernov from house arrest and imposes a ban on certain actions.

Viktor Chernov is experiencing difficulties due to the restrictions imposed on him: he cannot receive timely medical care. The believer suffers from a number of serious diseases, including diabetes mellitus and a tumor in the abdominal cavity, he recently injured his knee. To receive proper treatment, he needs to travel outside the village, but the investigator does not always satisfy Victor's requests. Complaints about these actions are also rejected. Chernov's health is deteriorating. In addition, visits to doctors and treatment are expensive, but since Viktor was included in the Rosfinmonitoring list, all his bank cards are blocked, and he is unable to work.

The Nadezhdinskiy District Court lifts the ban on certain actions from Viktor Chernov and chooses a new measure of restraint for him - a written undertaking not to leave.

Viktor Chernov's case is being submitted to the Nadezhdinsky District Court, it will be considered by Judge Marina Sinitsyna.

The son and daughter-in-law of Viktor Chernov are questioned. The son reports that he is not very familiar with his father's religious views. According to him, Viktor Chernov works in landscape design and leads a law-abiding life. "He raised me; I have never seen him in an unstable state, drunk or angry," the witness says. In response to questions from the prosecution, he adds that his father always leaves him the right to choose — whether to listen about God or not.

A secret witness under the pseudonym Pak is being questioned. He says that he has not attended meetings for worship of Jehovah's Witnesses for a long time. According to him, no one was forced to participate in meetings or join any organization.

The court suspends proceedings in the case due to the defendant's illness - Chernov had a heart attack, he underwent surgery.

Viktor Chernov is being questioned in court. The believer notes: “Not a single piece of evidence was presented to prove my guilt as an extremist. Everything I talked about was love, good deeds, how to respect one another and live according to the laws of the state.”

The court adds information about Viktor’s state of health to the case file.

Viktor Chernov insists on his innocence. "I am a peaceful person, and neither my position nor my words have harmed anyone. The prosecution has not presented a single piece of evidence of my guilt," the believer asserts.

He also notes that being under investigation has had a negative impact on his physical health. In addition to stomach ulcers and hypertension, Chernov has suffered two heart attacks. He has also undergone surgery and requires another operation, but due to heart problems, it is being postponed.

Viktor Chernov delivers his final statement.