Case of Filippov in Razdolnoye

Operational-search measures begin against Vladimir Filippov and other believers in the village of Razdolnoye (a secret video recording of a divine service, an audio recording of a conversation about the Bible with a certain B.N. Ulyankin, depicting a spiritual interest). Later, on the basis of audio and video recordings, it is concluded that Filippov is allegedly the head of the banned organization, and the other participants are participants.

Specialist Olga Averina is preparing a religious study, including on the topics that were discussed at the liturgical meeting on November 18, 2017: goodness, honesty and moral purity. In the records of Christian worship, the religious scholar, in particular, finds an incentive to be diligent in studying the Bible and serving God.

Senior investigator D. A. Shevchenko initiates a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation against "unidentified persons". Later in this case, the Nadezhdinskiy District Court will convict a local resident, G. G. Bubnov, for believing in God.

A search is being conducted in Vladimir Filippov's apartment and garage with the use of brute physical force. During the assault, law enforcement officers hit 75-year-old Vladimir Filippov in the face. With a cry: "Lie down!" his hands are twisted behind his back. The search is conducted by investigator A. A. Sendzyuk. Bibles in various translations, personal publications and electronic equipment were seized. The process takes more than six hours, after which believers Vladimir and Lyubov Filippov, as well as their daughter, are taken for interrogation, which lasts until midnight.

Expert Nadezhda Oleshkevich prepared the conclusion of a psychological, linguistic and religious examination. In conclusion, a brief description of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, taken by an expert from the Internet, is given. The expert also comes to the unscientific conclusion that "the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses are quite original ... they regard Jesus Christ not as one of the persons of God, but as the first creation of God."

It concludes with unsubstantiated allegations that Jehovah's Witnesses "view any state as an instrument of Satan" and are "marked by hostility toward all."

Senior investigator Denis Shevchenko initiates a second criminal case under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, this time against an "unidentified person".

A judge of the Nadezhdinskiy District Court issues a new order to allow a search of Vladimir Filippov's home.

Under the pretext of a "population census", senior investigator D. A. Shevchenko comes to the Filippovs' apartment and conducts a second search. Electronic devices were seized again. Due to the rude treatment of the authorities, Vladimir's wife, Lyubov, suffers a hypertensive crisis for the second time and is forced to call an ambulance.

A series of searches in the villages of Razdolnoye and Timofeevka. Including Vladimir Filippov - for the third time, on the basis of another decision of the Nadezhdinskiy District Court of 01/22/2020.

Investigator Denis Shevchenko is prosecuting Vladimir Filippov as a defendant in a previously initiated criminal case under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. After that, the investigator announces the end of the investigative actions.

Vladimir Filippov submits a motion to extend the deadline for familiarization with the case materials until April 14, 2020.

The believer signs the protocol of acquaintance with the materials of the criminal case.

The case is referred to the Nadezhdinskiy District Court of Primorsky Krai.

The hearing on the merits of the charges is postponed until July 14, 2020.

In the Nadezhdinskiy District Court of Primorsky Krai, the defendant gives his testimony in the case. At the next hearing, Judge Diana Merzlyakova appoints the beginning of the debate of the parties.

At the hearing, a video recording of the Christian meeting from 11/18/2017 is being viewed. Covert footage captured prayers, songs, and a 10-minute talk on how to show kindness, based on the biblical book of Galatians (6:10). The book "About People Who Never Part with the Bible", recognized by the investigator as material evidence of Filippov's guilt, was studied. In it, the author, religious scholar, Professor S. I. Ivanenko explains how Jehovah's Witnesses actually relate to the authorities, family and adherents of other religions, which refutes the speculations of the expert N. A. Oleshkevich, gleaned from the Internet.

The defendant testifies to the court. He notes that "the investigation did not provide any evidence that I committed at least one of the actions listed as extremist in paragraph 1 of Article 1 of the Federal Law "On Countering Extremist Activity". And what is extremist activity? This is an exclusively illegal activity. But praying to God is not a violation of the law. Learning Bible instruction is not breaking the law. Talking to other people who express a desire to speak on spiritual topics is not a violation of the law."

State prosecutor Maria Koval recommends that judge Diana Merzlyakova sentence of imprisonment for a period of 6 years and 6 months in a penal colony sentence to the 77-year-old pensioner. For another 2 years, the prosecutor wants to prohibit him from participating in public organizations, as well as to order him to appear monthly for registration for 1 year, not to leave home at night, not to visit places of public events, not to change his place of residence and not to leave the Nadezhdinsky municipal district without the consent of supervisory bodies.

A date for announcing the verdict has not yet been set.

The hearing is postponed to March 12.

Vladimir Filippov speaks in court with the last word, proving that he has not committed any crime and is far from extremist aspirations. "I did not commit a crime, but only exercised my constitutional right to believe in Jehovah God and live in harmony with my religious beliefs. This is not an organization of the activities of an extremist organization," the believer declares.

The court schedules the announcement of the verdict on March 15, 2021.

Judge of the Nadezhdinsky District Court of Primorsky Krai Diana Merzlyakova finds 77-year-old Vladimir Filippov guilty of organizing extremist activities and sentences him to 6 years of suspended imprisonment with a probationary period of 4 years and restriction of liberty for 1 year. A believer is also deprived of the right to engage in activities related to participation in public organizations for a period of 3 years.

The Primorsky Regional Court in Vladivostok upholds the sentence against Vladimir Filippov.