Since 2017, Over 900 Prosecutions Lead to Over 1,000 Years of Prison on Baseless Extremism Charges
In Russia, Jehovah’s Witnesses face severe state persecution, second only to some religious minorities in China. Human rights and religious freedom organizations often overlook this repression.
Jarrod Lopes, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said: “Russian authorities unjustly target Jehovah’s Witnesses with religious bias. Since 2017, over 900 prosecutions have resulted in over 1,000 years of imprisonment on false extremism charges. Torture, imprisonment of the elderly and disabled, and Soviet-style surveillance are employed. By attacking Jehovah’s Witnesses, Russian authorities mirror the extremism they claim to oppose.”
Although 2024 suggested a decline in the crackdown, 2025 saw increased 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, was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison in February without a criminal record. (link)
Anatoliy Marunov, 72, serving 6.5 years, faces health issues yet was denied sentence reduction for surgery. Ironically, Moscow’s mayor praised him and his wife on their 50th anniversary.
2025 By the Numbers
- 107 raids conducted
- 61 new defendants charged
- 125 believers convicted, 38 imprisoned
- 179 remain imprisoned, 37 over 60
- 30 people received sentences over five years
- Four believers received seven-year sentences
Since 2017, 906 individuals have faced prosecution; 665 were convicted, 215 receiving prison sentences.
Systematic Abuses
Torture and violence: In 2025, eight new cases of violence and cruel treatment occurred, totaling over 70 victims in eight years. No perpetrators were prosecuted.
Targeting the vulnerable: One-third of defendants (266 people) are over 60; 81 have serious health conditions, 34 are disabled. Currently, 36 seriously ill believers are in places lacking adequate medical care.
Family persecution: At least 172 prosecuted believers have relatives facing similar charges. In 2025, four new cases involved married couples. A defense lawyer noted targeting relatives is less dangerous for law enforcement than pursuing real criminals.
Secret informants: At least 30 cases rely on undercover agents infiltrating congregations, leading to sentences up to eight years. These spies confirm only that believers discuss the Bible and pray.
Citizenship revocation: In 2025, 12 convicted believers lost Russian citizenship, facing deportation and family separation. Mikhail Moysh has not seen his sons since October 2021. (link)
Jehovah’s Witnesses Banned in Russia in 2017: International Criticism
Since the 2017 Russian Supreme Court decision banning Jehovah’s Witnesses, international courts and bodies have criticized these actions as violations of human rights, including freedom of religion.
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