The Case of Kamshilova in Kurgan

Case History

In May 2024, Irina Kamshilova was raided by FSB officers — this was the second search in her house. That is how a resident of Kurgan, who is disabled, learned that a criminal case had been initiated against her for participating in the activity of an extremist organization. Irina was interrogated and placed under a recognizance agreement. A year later, the consideration of her case in court began, and in September 2025, she was fined 300,000 rubles.

  • #

    Lieutenant Colonel of Justice S. G. Ermolaev, senior investigator for particularly important cases of the FSB of Russia in the Kurgan region, initiates a criminal case against a resident of Kurgan, Irina Kamshilova, accusing her of participating in the activities of an extremist organization. The investigation interpreted meetings with friends to discuss biblical topics as a violation of anti-extremist legislation.

  • #

    The Kurgan City Court authorizes a search in the house of Irina Kamshilova.

  • #

    At 6:30 a.m., the law enforcement officers, having knocked down the gate on Kamshilova's property, invaded her house. They are concentrated in different rooms, so Irina and her daughter have no way to keep track of who is doing what. Electronic devices and personal records were seized from the believer. The investigator, raising his voice, hurries Irina to sign the protocol and tells her that "it is useless to write remarks." The believer feels sick and squats against the wall waiting for the cardiovascular medicine to take effect. The security forces force Irina to stand up. Irina's daughter persuades them to wait a little until her mother feels better.

    After an almost 3-hour search, Irina is taken for interrogation to the FSB department, after which she is asked to sign a not to leave the place.

  • #

    Irina Kamshilova's case is submitted to the Kurgan City Court for consideration by Judge Denis Cherkasov.

  • #

    About 30 people come to the hearing. Irina Kamshilova expresses her opinion of the charge before the court. She does not admit guilt and says: "All my actions were completely peaceful. The prosecution does not claim that I incited violence or religious hatred or enmity... I had every right to meet to discuss the Bible and to associate."

  • #

    The prosecutor requested a punishment for the believer in the form of 3.5 years in a general regime colony.

    The defendant makes her final statement.

  • #
Back to top