Since 2017, over 900 criminal prosecutions with over 1,000 years of prison sentences on false charges of extremism
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia face severe state persecution, among the world’s worst, yet many human rights and religious freedom organizations overlook this repression.
Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesman, Jarrod Lopes, highlighted: “Russian authorities with bias against non-Orthodox believers unjustly target Jehovah’s Witnesses. Since 2017, over 900 criminal prosecutions led to over 1,000 years in prison on false charges of extremism. Authorities have tortured innocent individuals, imprisoned the elderly and disabled, and used Soviet-era surveillance tactics. By persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses for peacefully practicing their faith, Russian authorities have become what they claim to fight—extremists.”
Despite signs of easing in 2024, 2025 saw a rise in home raids, prosecutions, and prison sentences.
The Human Toll
Valeriy Baylo died in custody in 2025 due to inadequate medical care. (link)
Aleksey Lelikov, 64, a disabled piano teacher and former finalist of Krasnodar’s “Teacher of the Year” (1994), was sentenced to 6.5 years in February. He had no criminal record. (link)
Anatoliy Marunov, 72, serving 6.5 years despite a stroke and prostate tumor, was denied reduced sentencing for life-saving surgery. Ironically, Moscow’s mayor congratulated the couple on their 50th anniversary, praising them as “an example for young people.”
2025 By the Numbers
- 107 raids conducted
- 61 new defendants charged
- 125 believers convicted, 38 sent to prison
- 179 remain imprisoned, including 37 over age 60
- 30 people (80% of those imprisoned) received sentences exceeding five years
- Four believers sentenced to seven years—the harshest penalties of the year
Since 2017, 906 individuals faced criminal prosecution for their faith. Courts convicted 665, with 215 receiving prison sentences.
Systematic Abuses
Torture and violence: At least eight cases of unprovoked violence and cruel treatment in 2025 increased the total to over 70 victims in eight years. No perpetrator has faced justice.
Targeting the vulnerable: Nearly one-third of defendants (266 people) are over 60. At least 81 have serious health issues; 34 are officially disabled. Currently, 36 seriously ill believers are in colonies and detention centers, lacking adequate medical care.
Family persecution: At least 172 prosecuted believers have relatives facing similar charges. In 2025 alone, cases against four married couples arose. “It’s become a gold mine for law enforcement,” according to a defense lawyer. “Going after real criminals is dangerous. It’s easier to target relatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses under investigation.”
Secret informants: At least 30 criminal cases rely on undercover agents who infiltrated congregations, sometimes for years, posing as Bible students. Agent Yekaterina Petrova’s surveillance of 17 believers—including the elderly—led to up to eight-year prison sentences, despite confirming only Bible discussions and prayers.
Citizenship revocation: In 2025, at least 12 convicted believers had their Russian citizenship annulled, resulting in deportation and indefinite family separation. Mikhail Moysh hasn’t seen his young sons since October 2021; deportation could make the separation indefinite. (link)
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