A Court in Tolyatti Sentenced Yelena Yurenkova to Two Years Suspended for Her Beliefs

On March 22, 2024, Anastasiya Fedorova, judge of the Central District Court of Tolyatti, sentenced Yelena Yurenkova, 53, to 2 years of suspended imprisonment. For the fact that the believer read and discussed the Bible, she was found guilty of the activities of an extremist organization.

Speaking before the court with her last word, Yelena stated: "Today, Jehovah's Witnesses do not lose their joy when they are persecuted for the name of Jesus. For me, as for the ministers of antiquity, suffering in itself is not a cause for joy. But if I remain faithful to God during trials, He will help me endure and gain approval. This is my hope, the foundation of my faith, for which I am being judged today."

The believer and her husband with their friends near the court building

The persecution of Yelena Yurenkova began in May 2023, when the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against her. The reason for this was the hidden video recording of the services, which was conducted for 1.5 years. After the search and interrogation, the believer was given a recognizance agreement. In August of the same year, court hearings began, in which a secret witness participated.

The prosecutor requested a sentence of 4 years in prison and 1 year of restriction of freedom for the woman. Yelena Yurenkova does not agree with the court's decision and can appeal it to higher authorities. There are no victims, no damage caused, no proven facts of extremist activity in the case.

In Tolyatti, 6 Jehovah's Witnesses, including 4 women, have already been prosecuted.