The case of Shurygin in Chelyabinsk

Case History

In June 2023, an investigator of the Investigative Committee accused a civilian resident of Chelyabinsk, the father of two minor children, Andrey Shurygin, of organizing extremist activities. The believer’s home was searched, and after interrogation he was placed on recognizance not to leave.

  • #
    June 29, 2023 Case initiated Art. 282.2 (1)

    Investigator of the Investigative Committee Alexander Chepenko initiates a criminal case against Andrey Shurygin under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. According to the investigation, Shurygin "organized propaganda of the activities of this banned organization by giving instructions that supporters of the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses conduct preaching activities with residents of Chelyabinsk in order to involve citizens in the religious teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, convincing them of the correctness and indisputability of this religious teaching." The believer is also charged with holding four services at his home in 2020 and 2022, which are interpreted by the investigation as a continuation of the activities of the liquidated legal entity.

  • #
    October 5, 2023 Recognizance agreement Interrogation

    After the interrogation, investigator Chepenko chooses a preventive measure for Andrey Shurygin in the form of a written undertaking not to leave the place.