Biography
Roman Khorikov, a civilian resident of Surgut, together with his father, Yuriy, was involved in a criminal case for his faith. Law enforcement officers considered the man's beliefs to be extremism and in 2023 charged him under a criminal article.
Roman was born in June 1988 in Surgut. As a child, Roman was fond of aviation, modeling from cardboard, plastic and other materials, and also loved to play football. He has a younger sister.
After school, Roman graduated from the Surgut Oil Technical School, where he received a degree in auto mechanics. He worked as a sales manager for spare parts for special equipment, a mechanic, and more recently as a mechanic.
From childhood, his parents instilled in Roman a love for God and biblical moral standards. Using the example of Jehovah's Witnesses, he saw what true love, friendship, and sincere fellowship are. In 2009, Roman embarked on the Christian path. Peace-loving convictions did not allow him to take up arms and learn to fight, so he did alternative civilian service in the Republic of Khakassia.
In 2020, Roman married Filiya. She shares his views on life. Filiya works as a graphic designer and makes jewelry. The couple love to play table tennis together, travel, go out into nature. Roman is still passionate about aviation: he collects scale models of aircraft, periodically flies on an airplane in an aviation club, and has an ultralight pilot's license. He also collects coins and plays the guitar.
Roman said: "For about 3 years before the indictment, I lived in stress and nervous tension, because I knew that my name appeared in the criminal case. Living in anticipation of a search, I didn't feel safe in my own home." Against the background of stress, the believer developed serious diseases related to immunity, and insomnia appeared.
Relatives of the Khorikovs cannot fully believe that civilians can be accused of extremism.