Biography
On an early January morning in 2026, Vyacheslav Sharov was detained at the gates of the factory where he had worked for 19 years. The believer was put behind bars, charged with extremism.
Vyacheslav was born in 1985 in the village of Mayna, part of the town of Sayanogorsk (Republic of Khakassia). He has an older brother. Their father was from Bashkiria, and their mother from Altai. They met in Sayanogorsk, where both had been assigned for work. Vyacheslav's mother is a seamstress by profession and worked in a tailor's shop for many years. Nowadays she enjoys gardening — growing vegetables and fruit. Their father has passed away. He was a caring, practical, and active man who helped his sons choose their future professions.
Even before finishing vocational college, where he was studying to become an electrician, Vyacheslav joined his father at the factory for practical training. He proved himself to be a responsible and skilled worker, so after graduating, he was hired full‑time. He worked there until the day he was detained.
Vyacheslav first began studying the Bible with his mother back in the 1990s. His interest in the book resumed in 2006 when he returned from compulsory military service; around the same time, he began attending meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses. He was baptized 2 years later. "I began to value my life more," Vyacheslav said about how Bible truth influenced him. "For example, I sold my motorcycle and stopped speeding."
In 2009, Vyacheslav married Marina, whom he had known for many years. Marina has worked in real estate for more than 20 years. She shares her husband's religious beliefs. In 2018, their son was born.
Vyacheslav enjoys long‑distance running, playing chess, and would like to learn to play the guitar. He loves traveling with his wife and son.
The criminal prosecution has taken a toll on the physical and emotional well‑being of the entire family. While held in solitary confinement in the detention center, Vyacheslav was unable to see or call his loved ones. His health deteriorated — his blood sugar level rose, and his blood pressure would spike. Vyacheslav's wife also suffered flare‑ups of her chronic illnesses.
Vyacheslav's family and friends deeply empathize with him and provide whatever support they can. His relatives and colleagues hope that law‑enforcement authorities will carefully examine the situation and are confident that a fair decision will be made, since they believe that he is innocent.