Believers Were Searched in Vladivostok. One Was Beaten, the Other Was Arrested

On December 7, 2023, searches were carried out in Vladivostok at at least five addresses of believers, including the home of an elderly man. A believer, 19, was detained and placed in a pre-trial detention center for 2 months, while another man was beaten by security forces.

Demanding to give the password from the phone, the man was hit several times with a rubber truncheon. Later, he went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with a bruise of internal organs. He needs treatment.

During interrogation by the Investigative Committee, believers were asked questions about their religious beliefs, as well as about their participation in Jehovah's Witnesses worship services. They were also required to incriminate co-religionists.

The search took place as part of the criminal case of Yuriy Byche and others in Vladivostok.

With the exception of the victims of the December 7 search, another 26 Jehovah's Witnesses are being persecuted for their faith in Vladivostok, six of whom have already been convicted.