Another Guilty Verdict in Vyselki. Believer, 62, Sentenced to Suspended Term

On September 30, 2025, the court gave Natalya Novoseletskaya a two year suspended sentence. Judge Yelizaveta Proskuryakova found the pensioner guilty of participating in extremist activities.

Natalya does not admit guilt. "I walk the streets without lowering my eyes, because I know that I will not meet a person whom I would deceive, rob or slander," she said and added: "I am sure that Bible principles will never harm anyone, because they are always based on love."

The appointed lawyer is also convinced of the believer's innocence. Natalia noted: "We have different beliefs, but she stood up for the Bible, for the name of God. She stated that I have nothing to do with extremism. During the debate, she smashed each charge to pieces."

Vasilina Penskaya and Irina Ushakova were among those who came to support Natalya on the day of the verdict. September 30, 2025

Those around her did not turn away from Natalya and supported her in every possible way throughout the year and a half of the criminal prosecution. For example, a neighbor who was a testifying witness during the search gave her their phone instead of the confiscated one so that Natalia could stay in touch with her loved ones. Friends also showed concern. "On the day when the first hearing was held, I had a whole table of chocolate of all kinds - they brought me as a gift," she recalls. "That's how my 'sweet life' began."

The Vyselkovskiy District Court is hearing the cases of 14 other Jehovah's Witnesses, 11 of them are awaiting sentencing. Natalya and her fellow believers try to attend every court hearing to support each other. The woman emphasized: "In my opinion, these trials not only united us, but even brought us together — just like a family."