Biography
For more than thirty years, Igor Balashov worked as a massage therapist—he helped people forget about pain, restored freedom of movement and joy of life. In February 2026, he was accused of organizing the activities of an extremist organization for believing in Jehovah God. The search and interrogation, during which the believer was not allowed to drink and take the necessary medications for several hours, undermined his health. Later, a medical examination revealed that he had an ischemic microstroke and signs of a heart attack.
Igor was born on December 5, 1966, in the village of Tavolzhanka, Ulyanovsk Region. He has two younger sisters. Their father worked as a turner; mother ran a food factory. When Igor was 26 years old, his father passed away.
As a child, Igor was active and curious: he went skiing and cycling, played hockey, went to the forest and fishing, read a lot, including the Bible that his mother bought. The boy had many friends.
After school, he graduated from a medical school, took courses in microbiologists, and received the specialty of a massage therapist. He worked as a microbiologist in a laboratory, then as a nurse in a hospital, and later as a medical massage therapist in a city clinic. Patients appreciated him as a specialist.
Balashov met his future wife at a medical school—Lyubov was his classmate. After graduating, they got married in 1986. Since their student days, the couple have kept the tradition of daily walks together. They are united by faith in God, love for nature and books. Igor is interested in everything related to airplanes, loves outdoor activities, camping with overnight stays, and country bike rides. In the professional field, he is constantly mastering modern methods and following current trends in the world of medicine. The couple raised four children—a daughter and three sons. Lyubov worked as a nurse and is now retired.
In the fall of 1991, a colleague introduced Igor to Bible teachings. The man was convinced of the relevance of the Holy Scriptures by the consistency of the ancient sanitary standards recorded in it with modern scientific data, as well as the exact fulfillment of prophecies. Igor began to apply biblical principles in his life and quit smoking. Lyubov noticed the changes taking place in him and also became interested in the Bible. The couple were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in July 1992.
The criminal prosecution had a negative impact on the life and health of family members. After the search, interrogations and stay in the temporary detention facility, the believer was forced to undergo prolonged treatment. He also lost the opportunity to provide for his family and take care of his mother, who is already over 80. She lives 200 kilometers from her son, suffers from hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
According to Igor, neighbors and colleagues express concern about his health and believe that there was a mistake, because "it cannot be that such a kind and gentle person is accused of extremism."