MARCH 23, 2022 | UPDATED: OCTOBER 11, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—APPEAL OVERTURNS PRISON SENTENCES | Jehovah Provides Support for Six Faithful Brothers and Sisters

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On October 10, 2024, the Khabarovsk Territory Court announced its verdict in the appeal of Sister Maya Karpushkina, Brother Stanislav Kim, Brother Nikolay Polevodov, Sister Svetlana Sedova, Brother Vitaliy Zhuk, and his wife, Tatyana. The suspended sentences imposed on Maya, Svetlana, and Tatyana were each reduced by one year. The prison sentences previously imposed on Stanislav, Vitaliy, and Nikolay were changed to suspended sentences of seven years and two months, seven years and four months, and seven years and six months respectively. The brothers were released from prison later that day.

On June 20, 2024, the Industrialniy District Court of the Khabarovsk Territory convicted Sister Maya Karpushkina, Brother Stanislav Kim, Brother Nikolay Polevodov, Sister Svetlana Sedova, Brother Vitaliy Zhuk, and his wife, Tatyana. Maya received a suspended prison sentence of four years. Svetlana and Tatyana each received suspended prison sentences of five years. The sisters are not required to go to prison at this time. Stanislav, Vitaliy, and Nikolay were sentenced to prison for eight years and two months, eight years and four months, and eight years and six months respectively. These are the heaviest prison sentences handed down since the ban was imposed in 2017. The brothers were taken into custody from the courtroom.

Time Line

November 10, 2018

Authorities broke up a social gathering of some 55 people at a café. All in attendance, including minors, were interrogated, fingerprinted, and photographed
November 12, 2018

Stanislav, Nikolay, and Vitaliy were sent to a pretrial detention center. Maya, Svetlana, and Tatyana were placed under travel restrictions
January 14, 2019

Nikolay and Vitaliy were released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
January 29, 2019

Stanislav was released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
July 18, 2019

The case was submitted to the Industrialniy District Court of the Khabarovsk Territory
August 2, 2019

Nikolay was released from house arrest
September 9, 2019

A separate case involving Stanislav and Nikolay was submitted to the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court of Khabarovsk
November 5, 2019

Nikolay was placed under a recognizance agreement
January 18, 2020

Stanislav and Vitaliy were released from house arrest
February 4, 2020

Stanislav and Nikolay were convicted in the separate case. Each was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and probation by the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court of Khabarovsk
August 3, 2020

The case before the Industrialniy District Court was returned to the prosecutor’s office, prompting an appeal from the prosecutor
September 29, 2020

The Khabarovsk Regional Court considered the prosecutor’s appeal. Stanislav and Nikolay were allowed to address the judge. They highlighted that the Russian Federation is part of the world community and has pledged not to violate its citizens’ rights and freedoms to worship
October 12, 2020

The Khabarovsk Regional Court upheld the ruling from the Industrialniy District Court and the case was returned to the prosecutor’s office
December 15, 2021

The case was submitted again to the Industrialniy District Court

Profiles

Nikolay Polevodov

Born: 1970 (Khabarovsk, Khabarovsk Territory)

Biography: Raised in a non-religious family. Works as an electrician

Was an atheist until he saw evidence of the existence of God and the reliability of the Bible. Baptized in 1995. Later, married Tatyana. They have one son

Personal Comments

While detained, what concerns did you have, and how did you address them?

My concerns related to supporting my son, who was only ten years old at the time. . . . I [along with my wife] arranged weekly Family Worship programs. Sometimes, I would think of crossword puzzles, draw pictures, or put together charts. Other times, I would simply select a topic and break it up into a series of questions for discussion. I would send the material home each week.

What has convinced you of Jehovah’s support during this trial?

I recall a time during a morning check-in when one of the security workers approached me, held out a book, and said: “You are a person of faith? Read this.” With that, she turned and left. When I looked to see what book she had given me, I saw that it was the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures! . . . The entire time I was in detention, I was able to read the very best translation of God’s Word.

Svetlana Sedova

Born: 1969 (Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Khabarovsk Territory)

Biography: Her father died when she was 3, and her mother passed away when she was 14. Worked at a garment factory. Now works as a housekeeper. Loves growing flowers. Her husband died when their children were young, leaving her to raise their two sons and one daughter

As a teenager, realized our planet and universe must have an intelligent creator. Baptized in 1984

Personal Comments

What have you prayed for during this difficult time?

I prayed for Jehovah to strengthen not only me but also all our brothers and sisters who are going through similar trials and adversities. Without God’s help, we are unable to cope with the pressure coming from Satan’s world.

I have become even more convinced that Jehovah is always by my side. His Word says: “With someone loyal you act in loyalty.”—2 Samuel 22:26.

Vitaliy Zhuk

Born: 1972 (Khabarovsk, Khabarovsk Territory)

Biography: Works as a welder

At the age of 20, began considering the meaning of life. His search for truth led to a Bible study with Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he discovered meaningful answers to his questions. Baptized in 1994. Later that same year, married Tatyana

Personal Comments

What have you learned during this trial?

I have learned to rely on Jehovah instead of frightening myself with thoughts about what trials might be ahead. These imagined things rarely happen. . . . I have also learned to cherish the brotherhood. There are more than eight million of our brothers and sisters around the world, and they are closer to us than it might seem. They are ready to respond and support us with their prayers, encouraging words, and specific actions.

We know Jehovah will continue to support these dear brothers and sisters and the many others who make up the modern-day “great cloud of witnesses.”—Hebrews 12:1.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—APPEAL OVERTURNS PRISON SENTENCES | Jehovah Provides Support for Six Faithful Brothers and Sisters

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Profiles

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