Postnikov Oleg

Name: Postnikov Oleg Vladimirovich
Date of Birth: January 24, 1965
Current status: convicted person
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (2), 282.2 (1.1)
Current restrictions: suspended sentence
Sentence: punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of 5 years 6 months with restriction of liberty for a term of 1 year 6 months, a sentence of imprisonment shall be considered conditional with a probationary period of 5 years

Biography

Oleg Postnikov was born in 1965 in the city of Vyazemsky (Khabarovsk Territory). He spent his childhood and youth in Khabarovsk. During his school years, he was engaged in sports and design, as well as collecting stamps and badges. After school, he received the specialty of an assistant locomotive driver. For some time he was fond of sailing.

Since childhood, he read many books of different genres: from detective stories to astronomy textbooks. Reading encouraged me to think about the past, the future, and ask questions: why do people fail to achieve peace? Why do people destroy the earth? Are we alone in the vast universe and what is the meaning of life?

By the age of 18, Oleg was addicted to alcohol and drugs, got into a hooligan group, was soon arrested and ended up in prison. After a while, Oleg met people studying the Bible. They surprised him with their desire to live according to high moral standards, provided evidence of the existence of the Creator, and soon Oleg changed his outlook on life, quit smoking and stopped swearing. After his release in 1986, he continued to lead a meaningful life and develop friendship with God.

In 1989, Oleg married Agnes, the couple moved to Birobidzhan. They raised two children. Oleg has several specialties, the last 15 years he worked as a plumber. He is fond of astronomy and biology, reads a lot about discoveries and research in these areas. The spouses love to spend time in nature, go hiking.

The criminal prosecution had a negative impact on the physical and emotional state of the family: there was a fear of wiretapping and surveillance, sleep was lost, and Agnesa's chronic diseases worsened.

Case History

In May 2018, a special operation of the FSB with the participation of 150 security officials, codenamed “Judgement Day”, took place in Birobidzhan. As a result, at least 20 of Jehovah’s Witnesses became victims of criminal prosecution. Among them were Oleg and Agnessa Postnikov. The FSB accused them of participating in the activity of an extremist organization and involving others in it. The couple signed a recognizance agreement. The case went to court in June 2021. The charges against the believers were based on the testimony of police officer Zvereva and another resident of Birobidzhan, who pretended to be interested in the Bible. In April 2022, the court gave Oleg and Agnessa suspended sentences of 5.5 and 5 years, respectively. The court of appeal overturned this decision and in October 2022 returned the case for a new trial, which resulted in suspended sentences of 5.5 and 4.5 years. Another court of appeal upheld the verdict. In February 2024, another search took place at the Postnikovs’ home, but as part of a new raid by security forces on the homes of believers. In July 2024, the court of cassation approved the appeal decision.
Timeline
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