Illustrative photo

Illustrative photo

Illustrative photo

Actions of Law Enforcement Officers

In Kaliningrad, the FSB Detained at Least 12 People for Interrogation. The Authorities Already Support Religious Persecution in 57 Regions

Kaliningrad Region

On July 11th in Kaliningrad, armed security services conducted a series of searches of believers. At least 12 people were taken to the FSB department in Kaliningrad for interrogation. A criminal case has been initiated against Mikhail Kopytov, 52. Whether anyone remains in custody is still unknown.

The raids on the believers started around 3 p.m. local time. The believers were taken to the local administration building of the Federal Security Service. Among them - 27-year-old Myslyon Igor, 57-year-old Nikolai Ter-Avanesov, 52-year-old Mikhail Kopytov. Most of the detainees have already been released. The exact number of addresses that were raided is not yet known. Whether or not any of the detainees are in custody is being clarified.

According to preliminary information, the reason for the special events was a criminal case under the "extremist" article against Mikhail Kopytov.

Kaliningrad region became the 57th region where law enforcers persecute Jehovah's Witnesses solely for their faith, despite the fact that this religion is not prohibited in Russia.

Update. The initiation of a criminal case under the article “organization of extremist activity” against Mikhail Kopytov was confirmed. 11 people were taken for questioning and released. Searches were carried out at least 6 families of believers, including a disabled person of group I. During the searches, electronic devices, bank cards, Bibles of various translations (Synodal and Modern), postcards and photographs were seized from peaceful believers. In some cases, believers note that the authorities treated them tactlessly.

Kopytov's case in Kaliningrad

Timeline

Persons in case

Criminal case

Region:
Kaliningrad Region
Locality:
Kaliningrad
Court case number:
12007270001000030
Initiated:
June 8, 2020
Current case stage:
preliminary investigation
Investigating:
Kaliningrad Region Directorate of the Federal Security Service of Russia
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation:
282.2 (1)
Case History