Court in Tolyatti Gave Yelena Yurenkova a 2-Year Suspended Sentenced for Her Faith

On March 22, 2024, Anastasiya Fedorova, judge of the Central District Court of Tolyatti, gave Yelena Yurenkova, 53, a 2-year suspended sentence. For reading and discussing the Bible, she was found guilty of the activity of an extremist organization.

In her final statement before the court, Yelena stated: "Today, Jehovah's Witnesses do not lose their joy when they are persecuted for Jesus' name. For me, as for the ministers of old, suffering in itself is not a cause for joy. But if I remain faithful to God during trials, he will help me endure and gain his approval. This is my hope, the foundation of my faith, for which I am being judged today."

The believer and her husband surrounded by friends near the court building

The prosecution of Yelena Yurenkova began in May 2023, when the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case against her. The basis for this were hidden video recordings of meetings for worship, which were made over 1.5 years. After the search and interrogation, the believer was made to sign a recognizance agreement. In August of the same year, court hearings began, in which a secret witness participated.

The prosecutor requested a sentence of 4 years in a penal colony and 1 year restriction of freedom for Yurenkova. Yelena does not agree with the court's decision and can appeal to higher courts. There are no victims, no damage caused and no proven facts of extremist activity in the case.

In Tolyatti, 6 Jehovah's Witnesses, including 4 women, have already been prosecuted.