Investigator of the Investigative Committee Alexander Chepenko initiates a criminal case against Andrey Shurygin under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. According to the investigation, Shurygin "organized propaganda of the activities of this banned organization by giving instructions that supporters of the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses conduct preaching activities with residents of Chelyabinsk in order to involve citizens in the religious teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, convincing them of the correctness and indisputability of this religious teaching." The believer is also charged with holding four services at his home in 2020 and 2022, which are interpreted by the investigation as a continuation of the activities of the liquidated legal entity.
After the interrogation, investigator Chepenko chooses a preventive measure for Andrey Shurygin in the form of a written undertaking not to leave the place.
Investigator for especially important cases, Colonel of Justice Aleksandr Chepenko attracts Andrey Shurygin as an accused.
The accusation was based on hidden video and audio recordings of worship services, during which, according to the investigation, Shurygin, together with others, read and discussed the Bible. According to the investigator, it is unlawfully to participate in such events, because "the persons conducting the conversation belong to the denomination of Jehovah's Witnesses."
Acting Prosecutor of the Chelyabinsk Region E. V. Fedorov sends the criminal case to the Sovetsky District Court of Chelyabinsk.
10 listeners are allowed into the meeting room. The defense files a motion to return the criminal case to the prosecutor. The court dismisses it. The prosecutor reads out the indictment.