Biography
The family of Zarema Tavitova led a normal life: work, meeting friends, caring for the flowers in the front garden, traveling. Zarema and her husband built a haven for their family, raised their children and enjoyed their success. But in the summer of 2026, their well-being was under threat: several family members were affected by criminal prosecution.
Zarema was born in 1974 in the city of Ardon (North Ossetia-Alania). She is the youngest of five children: she has two brothers and two sisters. "Dad prayed to the true God, although he did not know his name," Zarema recalls, "he always faithfully observed Ossetian laws and traditions. He taught us children to treat people with respect and honor moral standards." Zarema's mother, an accountant, worked on a collective farm all her life. Her dad served in the navy for 5 years, and after that he worked as a carpenter for many years.
After school, Zarema moved to Vladikavkaz, where she entered the North Ossetian State University for Pedagogy and Methods of Primary Education and graduated in Russian Language Methodology and worked as a teacher. In 2006, she changed careers and has worked as a manicurist ever since.
Zarema met her future husband Zaurbek at the wedding of her cousin Khetag. They had lived together from 1999, and registered their marriage in 2008, when they learned the Bible's view on this matter.
Zarema was introduced to the Bible by Khetag. She was amazed when she first saw God's name in this book: "I realized that the name of the Creator is Jehovah, and those who talk about Him teach the truth." Later, Zaurbek also developed an interest in the Holy Scriptures. Faith in Jehovah God became their way of life and they were baptized on the same day in July 2010. "We began to trust each other more, treat each other with more warmth and respect," Zarema said.
Zaurbek is into sports and works as a fitness trainer. The family has two children: daughter Aida is a rehabilitation specialist; son David chose a career in programming.
In June 2026, a criminal case was initiated against Zarema Tavitova under an article for extremism. Her husband and her cousin were also prosecuted; their daughter was brought in as a witness. "My family wonders how this can happen in a modern civilized society," Zarema said.