The Court Ruled to Release Nikolay Kuzichkin After a Six-Month Ordeal to Survive Without Proper Treatment

On April 16, 2020, the Krasnodar Regional Court decided to move 69-year-old Sochi resident Nikolay Kuzichkin from the pre-trial detention center to house arrest. The believer has been in custody for almost six months. “A prison is an internal X-ray of a person that shows the qualities of a Christian,” said Nikolay. While in prison, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he showed a peaceful attitude toward his neighbors. Indeed, he helped another prisoner to cope with depression and not commit suicide.

Nikolay Kuzichkin suffers from a number of serious illnesses requiring treatment that was not possible in an isolation ward. In addition, already in the pre-trial detention center, he was diagnosed with severe hypertension and heart problems. Prior to that, Nikolai Kuzichkin experienced a hypertensive crisis. Despite this, for a long time he was denied proper examination and treatment in the Armavir pre-trial detention center No. 2, which was confirmed by the prosecutor's office of the Krasnodar Territory.

For some time, Nikolay Kuzichkin was kept in a damp cell with mold. Given his condition and the growing threat of the spread of coronavirus in prisons, staying in a pre-trial detention center is deadly for Nikolay. The court's decision should be executed as soon as possible. At home, Nikolay will be able to receive adequate medical care.

The believer himself is happy with the positive changes, although he speaks with honor about the trials. "Prison is an internal X-ray of a person that shows the qualities of a Christian, more precisely, they are there or not," says Nikolai.

While in prison, Nikolai, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, repeatedly showed a peace-loving attitude and sincere concern for his neighbors. So, he helped one of the young prisoners cope with depression and not commit suicide.

While still in the pre-trial detention center, Nikolai Kuzichkin expressed deep gratitude to his fellow believers for their prayers and letters.