An Appeal in Sevastopol Upheld the Verdict Against Three Local Jehovah's Witnesses. For Their Faith in God, They Will Serve Long Terms in a Penal Colony<br>

On October 11, 2023, the judicial board of the Sevastopol City Court upheld the sentence of Vladimir Maladyka, 60, Yevgeniy Zhukov, 53, and Vladimir Sakada, 52, - six years each in a general regime colony. The verdict entered into force, but can be appealed in the court of cassation.

In his appeal, the lawyer pointed out that Maladyka, Sakada and Zhukov "were convicted only because they professed beliefs are based on the Bible and they peacefully practiced their Christian faith." At court hearings, they did not deny that they were Jehovah's Witnesses and that together with family and friends, they sang songs praising God, addressed him in prayer and discussed the Bible. At the same time, the believers explained that their goal was to profess their religion, help people and show kindness and love for others.

According to the defense, the conviction of Maladyka, Zhukov and Sakada "clearly demonstrated that, if they do not renounce their religious views, they will continue to be prosecuted." At the same time, the April 20, 2017 decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation did not oblige citizens to change their faith and their usual forms of its confession.

Twenty seven believers from Crimea have already been prosecuted for their faith. Because of their convictions, twelve people were sentenced to six or more years in a penal colony and two others received suspended sentences. The world community and human rights activists consider the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses unjust and call on the Russian Federation to stop criminal cases and release prisoners of conscience.