Biography
Peaceful pensioner from Barnaul Mikhail Reshetnikov — a professional driver with 50 years of experience — can go to jail because of his religion. In May 2021, the believer was searched and accused of extremism.
Mikhail was born in June 1949 in the village of Maksiner, Kirov region. He is the eldest of seven children. His father worked in the timber industry, so the family often moved from place to place across the vast expanses of Siberia.
Since childhood, Mikhail is fond of radio business and loves fishing. After school he learned to be a 1st class driver. For 50 years he drove trucks, cars and buses. Mikhail was distinguished by an engineering mindset and a thirst for knowledge. He mastered radio engineering, cinematography and radio mechanics, worked as a cinematographer, and later as a television technician. In 2010 he received the rights to operate small boats. Now, being retired, Mikhail is still fond of fishing and cars.
In the late 1990s, Mikhail met Jehovah's Witnesses. He was touched by the fact that they helped him sort out questions that remained unanswered for a long time. In 2000 he became a Christian.
Mikhail got married for the first time in 1971, and after the wedding the family settled in Barnaul. The couple raised two children. Mikhail's wife died of cancer. Although they had different views on spiritual matters, they respected each other's religious choices.
In January 2021, Mikhail married for the second time. Together with Antonina, they enthusiastically study the Bible, enjoy communicating with friends, and go fishing in their free time.
The criminal prosecution did not discourage Mikhail, he accepted everything that was happening calmly. Relatives, including adult children, who respect Mikhail's religious beliefs, worry about him and help in word and deed. The support of those close to him helps Mikhail to endure all difficulties.