In Birobidzhan, Jehovah's Witness Shestopalova was sentenced to a suspended sentence of imprisonment

Another verdict under Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code was issued by the Birobidzhansky District Court.

On June 24, 2026, the Birobidzhan District Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region sentenced Jehovah's Witness Elena Shestopalova under Part 2 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code (participation in the activities of an extremist organization). She was sentenced to two and a half years of suspended imprisonment with a three-year probationary period. In addition, she was sentenced to a six-month restriction of freedom.

Shestopalova’s case was opened on October 3, 2025, and on October 9, her and other believers’ homes were searched. Olga Chebrak , Natalya Kocheva and Irina Savkina were also accused.

In February 2024, a similar case was opened against Shestopalova’s daughter, Vladlena Kukavitsa , and she was later sentenced to probation.

Sources

• Criminal case card No. 1-240/2026 // Birobidzhansky District Court of the Jewish Autonomous Region. 2026. June 26.
• In Birobidzhan - another verdict on Jehovah's Witnesses. Elena Shestopalova received a suspended sentence. Message from Jehovah's Witnesses. 2026. June 25.