The Case of Rumyantseva in Vyselki

In the village of Vyselki and neighboring settlements, searches are being conducted at at least 31 addresses, including Yelena Rumyantseva's. In total, the investigation involves at least 51 people, some of whom are not Jehovah's Witnesses. The search is also taking place at her daughter, Vasilina Penskaya, who lives separately.

The Investigative Committee initiates a criminal case against Elena Rumyantseva under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. It is based on the testimony of a secret witness under the pseudonym "Shepherd" who has attended Jehovah's Witnesses services in the past. Later, the man again began to communicate with believers and film online worship services in order to transmit this information to the Center for Countering Extremism.

Elena Rumyantseva is being interrogated. She learns that her bank accounts have been blocked by Rosfinmonitoring.

Elena Rumyantseva is being re-interrogated, she is being asked to sign a not to leave the place.

Senior investigator Roman Latysh charges Yelena Rumyantseva with "taking a direct part in religious teaching and sermons ... entered into conversations and religious discussions with other participants, participated in the discussion of the "Holy Scriptures" (the Bible) ... read religious books aloud to other participants."

The case is transferred to the investigator - Lieutenant of Justice D. P. Bondarenko.

Investigator Bondarenko issues an indictment against Elena Rumyantseva.

The case goes to the Vyselkovsky District Court. It will be considered by judge Oksana Melnikova.

Elena Rumyantseva speaks with an attitude to the prosecution: "There are no real victims and victims in this case. It turns out that my only fault is that I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and I am judged solely for my faith. But according to the Constitution, I have the right to have a Bible, read and discuss it with others."

The court examines the case materials, including religious and linguistic examinations.

The prosecution reads out the opinion of an expert psychologist. The judge accepts the lawyer's remark that this examination has nothing to do with Elena Rumyantseva.

Then prosecutor Tatyana Pyatnitskaya continues to read out the case materials. The lawyer states that the prosecution does not explain on what grounds it considers Rumyantseva an active participant in the meetings for worship.

The case is transferred to Judge Elizaveta Proskuryakova, and the hearings begin anew.

The prosecution asks the court to impose a two-year suspended sentence on the believer.

Elena Rumyantseva makes her final statement.