Name: Ignatov Dmitriy Vladimirovich
Date of Birth: January 15, 1997
Current status: convicted person
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (2)
Current restrictions: obligation to appear
Sentence: Punishment in the form of 2 years of forced labor, with restriction of liberty for a period of 6 months

Biography

The first months of the married life of Dmitriy Ignatov and his wife Darya were overshadowed by a sudden invasion of their home by the security forces. The head of the family was suspected of extremism because of his faith.

Dmitriy was born in January 1997 in Oryol. Of the three children, he is the eldest—he has a brother and sister. Their mother and father worked at the construction site for many years.

Since childhood, Dmitriy loved sports: he roller skated, skated, rode a bicycle, skied, played football, which he did professionally for some time. He was also fond of fishing.

After school, the young man immediately went to work at a construction site, and then as a loader. Because of his peace-loving views, Dmitriy exercised his right to perform alternative civilian service instead of military service.

Dmitriy became interested in Bible teachings in his youth. He also liked people who lived by biblical standards because they were peaceful and led meaningful lives. In 2017, the young man decided to take the Christian path.

In 2020, Dmitriy married Darya, whom they met in the company of friends. She supports her husband in everything and shares his views on life. Together, the couple love to travel, relax in nature and go fishing. Dmitriy is also fond of making leather goods, and he still enjoys playing football.

The persecution had a negative impact on the life of the couple and added to the difficulties. Dmitriy recalls: "The first year was not easy emotionally. Immediately after the search, we were asked to move out of our rented housing, we had to live in the village for two months." In the new conditions, they had a difficult time. In addition, the experiences affected Darya's health.

Relatives and friends are worried about Dmitriy. His mother does not share her son's religious views, but does not understand why this peace-loving man is being persecuted.

Case History

In December 2020, in Oryol, Dmitriy Ignatov's home was searched as part of the case of Piskarev and others. In October 2021, the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case, accusing the believer of participating in the activity of an extremist organization. In January 2024, the case went to court. At least nine witnesses for the prosecution said they did not know Ignatov, so they could not report anything specific. In July of the same year, the court sentenced the believer to 2 years of forced labor.