Territory Court Reduced the Suspended Term of an Elderly Believer from Knyaze-Volkonskoye by 1 Year

On September 17, 2024, the Khabarovsk Territory Court commuted the sentence of Valeriy Rabota, 62, giving him a 5-year suspended sentence for participating in peaceful meetings for worship. Prosecutor Taisiya Kovtunova sought tougher punishment: she requested to replace the 6-year suspended sentence with actual imprisonment.

Valeriy Rabota completely denies being guilty of extremism. In his appeal, he noted: "My actions were completely peaceful. The prosecution did not state that I incited violence or religious hatred and enmity. On the basis of Article 28 of the RF Constitution, my fellow believers and I had every right to meet to discuss the Bible and associate, which in no way depends on the existence of any religious organization." As noted by the defense, a guilty verdict, in fact, means that if the convicted person does not renounce his religious beliefs, he will again be subjected to criminal prosecution.

Two years of investigation and litigation did not pass without consequences for Valeriy: his chronic illnesses worsened and he suffered a stroke. Other prosecuted Jehovah's Witnesses face similar difficulties. Elderly believers are particularly at risk. In Russia, more than 200 Jehovah's Witnesses over the age of 60 have already become defendants in criminal cases because of their religious beliefs.