New Searches in Crimea. Criminal Cases Opened Against Two Women

On February 5, 2026, searches and interrogations were carried out at the homes of two residents of Simferopol, 59-year-old Galina Privalova and 27-year-old Anna Moroz; both were made to sign a recognizance not to leave.

The searches began early in the morning. At Galina's home, the investigative actions lasted an hour and a half, and at Anna's—about six hours. The security forces seized— including from Moroz's parents, who live with her—mobile phones, photographs, personal notes, postcards, bank cards, data storage devices, and an e-book reader. About ten people took part in the operation, including Senior Operative of the FSB Directorate, Major Latysheva, known for cases involving other Crimean Jehovah's Witnesses.

After the searches, Galina, Anna, her husband, and her parents were taken to the Investigative Committee. After a time, all were released, but Moroz and Privalova were made to sign a recognizance not to leave.

On January 26, 2026, Captain of Justice Rudoy, an investigator with the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the city of Sevastopol, opened criminal cases against Galina and Anna, accusing them of extremism.

In Crimea, 35 Jehovah's Witnesses have already faced criminal prosecution, 14 of whom were sent to correctional colonies. The only "guilt" of these men and women of various ages and social standing is their peaceful worship.