Vyaznikov case in Luchegorsk

Case History
In September 2018, law enforcement officers began operational-search measures against Jehovah’s Witnesses from Luchegorsk. A covert operative feigning interest in the Bible recorded his conversations with believers. In July 2021, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case in which Valery Vyaznikov from the village of Chegdomyn was accused of extremism because he had discussed the Bible with others. In December 2022, the case was transferred to a court located 1000 kilometers away from the believer’s place of residence. He was allowed to participate in most of the meetings via video conferencing. On November 7, 2023, the court sentenced Valeriy to a suspended sentence of two and a half years.
Timeline

Persons in case

Vyaznikov
Valeriy

Criminal case

Region:
Primorye Territory
Locality:
Luchegorsk
Suspected of:
"involved a resident of Luchegorsk in the activities of the religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses";
Court case number:
42202050012000036
Initiated:
July 16, 2021
Current case stage:
The verdict entered into force
Investigating:
Investigative Department for Dalnerechensk of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee for the Primorsky Territory
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation:
282.2 (2)
Court case number:
1-88/2023 (1-317/2022)
Court of First Instance:
Пожарский районный суд Приморского края
Judge of the Court of First Instance:
Нина Калашник
Case History