In Astrakhan, the Believer Sergey Klikunov Was Sent to the Pre-Trial Detention Center for Two Months Because of His Religious Views

On June 11, 2020, the Kirov District Court of Astrakhan, chaired by judge Olga Ivanova, ruled to imprison Sergey Klikunov, 45, for 2 months. It is still unknown what happens to the three other believers, detained during mass searches in Astrakhan on June 9.

The criminal case against Sergey Klikunov, Rustam Diarov, Evgeniy Ivanov and his wife, Olga, was initiated on June 8 by the senior investigator for investigation of especially important cases of the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation in the Astrakhan region, N. P. Banko. The next day a series of searches in the houses of believers took place. Klikunov, Diarov and Ivanov are charged under part 1 of article 282.2 of the Criminal Code (organization of extremist activities). Olga Ivanova (namesake of the judge) is also charged under article 282.2, part 2 (organization of extremist activities).

The decision of the Kirovskiy district court notes that Sergey Klikunov is married and positively characterized at his workplace, which paradoxically "indicates the possibility of the suspect to hide from the investigation.”

The only reason for persecution of civilians in Astrakhan is their faith in God Jehovah. Law scholars and human rights activists both in Russia and abroad unanimously condemn the actions of the authorities towards Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia.