Biography
Valeriy Firsov has been practicing the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses for more than half a century. During this time, he has been behind bars twice: the first time was during the Soviet era, when he refused to take up arms and did not go into the army; the second was in the summer of 2026, when he was charged with extremism.
Valeriy was born in October 1956 in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. Before retiring, his father managed a boiler house at a woodworking factory, and his mother worked as a laboratory assistant at a construction company. The family had five children.
As a child, Valeriy was fascinated by photography, especially the process of developing film and printing pictures. "I was truly mesmerized when an image gradually appeared on photo paper in the solution," he shared. In winter, Valeriy played hockey; in summer, he played football and went fishing with friends.
"My mother read us fascinating Bible stories about Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and others. They became deeply rooted in my mind and heart," Valeriy recalls.
Valeriy's mother was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1958. At first, his father did not share her beliefs. Several Jehovah's Witnesses worked with him at the boiler house — observing them, he gradually developed respect for them; they were honest and reliable workers. After retiring, the head of the family began studying the Bible himself and was later baptized. He died in 1993. In 2022, one of Valeriy's brothers died of a serious illness, and a year later their mother passed away.
Valeriy became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1971. Several years later, he was drafted into military service. Because of his refusal on religious grounds, the young man was sent to a penal colony for 2 years. After 5 months, young Firsov was offered release in exchange for renouncing his beliefs. Valeriy refused. Other prisoners said: "Nothing bad would have happened — if you sinned just once, said you were ready to go into the army, and then you could go on with your life." He recalls: "I did not regret for a moment what I did, but I felt lonely. When it was all over, one prisoner came up to me and said: 'I am not a believer, but I will tell you this — you acted like a real man!' And he gave me a firm handshake."
Valeriy met his future wife in the fall of 1978 in Dzhambul; a year later, they married. Valentina shares his outlook on life. The couple raised two sons and a daughter. Valentina worked as a bridge crane operator and telegraphist. She is interested in painting — she creates acrylic landscapes. Over the course of his life, Valeriy mastered several professions, including turner and mechanic for the maintenance of in-house gas equipment. The couple are now retired.
Throughout his life, Valeriy moved several times: to Dzhezkazgan, Dzhambul, and Karagaily, Kazakhstan. Since 1982, he has settled in the city of Yarovoye, Altai Territory — he moved there with his family at the invitation of his wife's parents.
Because of the criminal prosecution, Valeriy was placed under house arrest. His bank account was blocked, and he was allowed to communicate only with his wife and children. The couple's health deteriorated, and their sleep was disrupted. The believer also said that during his review of the case materials, the investigator shouted and made threats. He advised Valeriy to "renounce his beliefs and walk free."
According to Firsov, news of his detention quickly spread throughout the city, where he has long been known as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. "Everyone my wife met expressed surprise," said the believer. "Some sympathized with tears in their eyes and wished us endurance, especially neighbors in our building. Relatives, loved ones, and friends are giving us significant support."