The Sochi court extended the term of detention of a Jehovah's Witness in a pre-trial detention center, despite health problems

On June 23, the Central District Court of Sochi extended the period of detention of Jehovah's Witness Vyacheslav Popov, the Caucasian Knot reports , citing lawyer Sergei Yanovsky.

Vyacheslav Popov was left in pre-trial detention until July 24. The court refused to release him under the responsibility of a guarantor, despite his health problems. The believer discovered a lump above the collarbone, but in the isolation ward they did not examine him. In addition, Popov's condition worsened in the summer. “Popov was brought to Sochi half-dead. He’s a non-smoker, but everyone in the carriage is smoking, it’s full of people, it’s hot, there’s no air conditioning,” the lawyer added.

The arrest of a believer is methodically extended over and over again.

“The investigator indicated that the examinations he ordered were already ready, and all he had to do was familiarize the accused and the defense with the case materials. Then he will hand over the case to the prosecutor for signature, after which, the investigator believes, the case will be sent to court at the end of July. But the investigator has already spoken many times about transferring the case to court, but this is not happening,” Sergei Yanovsky told the publication.

• On May 22, 2020, the Central District Court of Sochi extended the preventive measure for Jehovah's Witnesses Vyacheslav and Nikolai Kuzichkin. Kuzichkin was transferred to house arrest due to his health condition.
• Nikolai Kuzichkin and Vyacheslav Popov were arrested in October 2019. They are accused under the article on organizing the activities of an extremist organization (Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code). They are charged with organizing meetings and religious performances, worship services, as well as preaching activities. Popov is still in custody.
• On April 20, 2017, the Supreme Court recognized the “Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia” as an extremist organization, liquidated it and banned its activities in Russia. In August, all Jehovah's Witnesses organizations were added to the list of prohibited organizations. After this, a stream of criminal cases against representatives of the confession began.