Name: Godizov Georgiy Leonidovich
Date of Birth: March 17, 1976
Current status: suspect
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (1)

Biography

In March 2022, archaeologist Georgiy Godizov from Adygeya discovered that his bank accounts were blocked and his name was on the list of extremists. In his absence, the security forces searched the believer's home and workplace. A criminal case was opened against him under an extremist article.

Georgiy was born in 1976 in Maykop in the family of an engineer and a doctor. He graduated from a music school with a degree in piano and baritone, composed music, and was also fond of archeology, which led him to the history department of the university.

In the early 1990s, George's mother met Jehovah's Witnesses. They helped her see solid evidence for the existence of a Supreme Intelligence. Georgiy began to study the Bible only because he considered it a valuable historical source, but he discovered its depth and in 1994 received Christian baptism from Jehovah's Witnesses. This decision was reflected in the topics of his research, for example, his Ph.D. thesis was devoted to the topic "The problem of freedom of conscience in the public life of the Kuban (1965-1990)". It explored the causes and forms of suppression of dissent, including the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Over time, Georgiy’s passion for archeology took over. He headed the scientific department of the museum and became an archaeologist, collaborating with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Thanks to his work, dozens of archaeological sites were identified, and the museum fund was replenished with valuable artifacts.

Since 2004, Georgiy has been married to Nataliya, whom he met through their common faith. Together, in accordance with the gospel values, they raise two daughters. Children are fond of foreign languages, sports and dancing.

Relatives, numerous fellow scientists and familiar families are shocked by what happened. They understand that the criminal case against Georgiy is far-fetched and he cannot be called an extremist.

Case History

In February 2022, the head of the Department for the Protection of the Constitutional Order and the Fight against Terrorism of the Federal Security Service of Russia in the Republic of Adygea sent a report, on the basis of which a month later the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case against Georgy Godizov. He was suspected of organizing the activities of an extremist organization. On March 18, his bank accounts were blocked, and on March 21, security forces arbitrarily entered his home and searched his workplace. In April, at least five other believers were searched and interrogated.