In her statement, the believer rejects the charge and asks for an acquittal: "Prayer and discussing the Bible with friends is a natural expression of faith for anyone. Such actions pose no threat to society or to individuals."
Transcript:
Honorable Court! Thank you for the opportunity to make my final statement. I would like to begin with words of gratitude.
Your Honor, Yelena Alekseyevna, I thank you for the friendly atmosphere during the court hearings, for your efforts to thoroughly understand this case, and for your good attitude toward all participants in the proceedings.
I thank the court clerk for her hard work, for preparing the case for hearings, for her positive attitude, and for her politeness.
I thank my lawyer, Olga Nikolaevna, for being by my side during this difficult time, for her willingness to delve into the details of my case, and for her fair defense during closing arguments.
Honorable Prosecutor, although in the courtroom we are on opposite sides, thank you for not objecting at times and allowing important documents to be added to the case file.
I thank my support group — my family, my friends, and God, who each day are a source of encouragement, comfort, and strength for me not to give up in this difficult situation.
Honorable Court, the charge brought against me leaves me deeply perplexed because it has nothing to do with my actual views and beliefs. The investigation established that I am a religious person — I believe in God, I pray, I discuss the Bible with those close to me. My case does not contain a single victim, nor any public insults, material harm, or calls to violate the territorial integrity of the state. Is this really considered extremism? Prayer and discussing the Bible with friends are a natural manifestation of any person's faith. Such actions do not pose a threat either to society or to individuals.
Your Honor, how can people who adhere to the following principles recorded in the Bible be considered dangerous to the state or society, or be called extremists: "Love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul," "Love your neighbor as yourself," "Let us work what is good toward all," "Everyone should be in subjection to the superior …