The case of Filatov in Krasnoyarsk

Case History

In July 2021, the Krasnoyarsk Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case against Aleksandr Filatov, who at that time lived in Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Territory). Just because of his religion, he was accused of organizing the activity of an extremist organization. After a search, the believer was detained and taken 5,000 kilometers away to Detention Center No. 1 for the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The charges against Filatov were based on the testimony of two secret witnesses. In January 2022, the criminal case was brought to court, and in December 2022, Judge Gruzdev sentenced Filatov to 6 years in a general regime penal colony. This is exactly the punishment the prosecutor had requested. In July 2023, the court of appeal upheld the verdict against the believer.
Timeline

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    Search

    The investigation is carrying out operational-search activities.

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    Case initiated Art. 282.2 (1)

    The investigator of the Oktyabrsky district of Krasnoyarsk, K. O. Zhuikov, initiates a criminal case against 36-year-old Alexander Filatov, who at that time lives in Novorossiysk. He is suspected of organizing the activities of an extremist organization. The case is assigned a 12102040005000127 number. It was separated from the criminal case of Andrey Stupnikov.

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    Search

    In Novorossiysk, a search is underway at the place of residence of the Filatov spouses. The head of the family, Aleksandr, was absent at the time of the investigation.

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    Detention center

    Aleksandr Filatov was detained and at 11:20 p.m. was taken to the office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the city of Vladikavkaz, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, and later transferred to Krasnoyarsk.

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    Art. 282.2 (1) Detention center

    Filatov is charged under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Judge of the Oktyabrsky District Court of Krasnoyarsk Elena Krivets sends the believer to the pre-trial detention center until September 8, 2021. She explains this by the fact that Alexander represents "an increased public danger and public outcry," and "the presence of young children, a spouse and a place of residence in Krasnoyarsk is not an unconditional basis preventing Filatov from choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention."

    Aleksandr Filatov is sent to pre-trial detention center No. 1, located at 72 Respublika Street, Krasnoyarsk.

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    Art. 282.2 (1)

    Aleksandr Filatov is charged with a crime under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code.

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    Case went to court

    The case is submitted to the Oktyabrsky District Court of Krasnoyarsk. It will be considered by judge Sergey Valerievich Gruzdev.

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    Hearing in a court of the first instance

    About 40 people come to support the defendant. The interrogated specialist finds it difficult or refuses to answer some questions. However, he calls Filatov the head of a banned organization with reference to the fact that he participated in the conduct of worship services. At the same time, the specialist admits that he did not find any illegal actions on the part of the accused.

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    Hearing in a court of the first instance

    The court rejects Filatov's petition to terminate the criminal prosecution, based on the decision of the ECHR.

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    Prosecutor requested punishment

    30 people come to the building of the Oktyabrsky District Court to support Alexander Filatov, but only six are allowed into the courtroom.

    At the hearing, the prosecutor makes a debate, reads out the case materials. She draws the court's attention to the fact that Aleksandr conducted worship services according to the same program as all Jehovah's Witnesses in the world, using an "extremist" website and literature. According to the prosecutor, this indicates that the believer continued the activities of a banned legal entity. She asks for Filatov, the father of two young children, 6 years of real imprisonment.

    At the next meeting, the defense is scheduled to speak in the debate.

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    Closing arguments for the defense

    The defendant, referring to the laws of the Russian Federation and the decisions of the Supreme Court, explains that the actions imputed to him are legal and peaceful ways of professing his faith.

    The lawyer claims that Aleksandr Filatov is being persecuted only for his faith. In particular, he notes that the prosecution considered two pieces of paper with the inscription "Jehovah" to be evidence of the defendant's guilt.

    6 listeners are watching what is happening. About 50 people are waiting for news from the courtroom outside.

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    Final statement In the courtroom Art. 282.2 (1) First Instance Sentence Deprivation of liberty Minors

    In his address to the court, Alexander Filatov compared his faith to a ship: "Only after overcoming the distance and the storm, the ship passes the test of strength. One day I will be able to return to my native "bay" with the proven quality of my faith.

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    Court of Appeal Deprivation of liberty Minors Art. 282.2 (1)
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    Deprivation of liberty Art. 282.2 (1) Life in prison Transfer of a prisoner

    Aleksandr Filatov was taken to penal colony No. 31 in Krasnoyarsk. He can write letters. In the same colony, Anatoly Gorbunov is serving time for his faith.

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    Life in prison

    The believer feels good. There are more than 100 people in his squad. During the working day, Alexander gets tired, and he does not always have the opportunity to read all the letters of support and respond to them. Unfortunately, Filatov does not have a complete Bible, since he was allowed to transmit only the New Testament.

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    Life in prison Letters Penalty Punishment cell

    Alexandr works as an electrician. At the end of December 2023, he was placed in a punishment cell for 7 days.

    Filatov worries that he does not have the opportunity to communicate with his wife often on the phone, since the colony staff do not give him such an opportunity. He regularly receives letters of support, for which he is very grateful.

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    Life in prison

    88 people live in the barracks where Aleksandr is kept. The believer still works as an electrician and is valued as a specialist. In August, he had to work even during his vacation, as there was no one to replace him.

    Alexander's emotional state is satisfactory, but he misses his wife and children very much. The opportunity to talk to them is rare.

    In order not to lose heart, the believer tries to notice the positive and focus on it. Reading the Bible also strengthens him.

    Aleksandr Filatov

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    Life in prison Letters

    During his stay in the colony, Aleksandr Filatov has earned a reputation as a conscientious worker, he is treated with respect. There are about 80 people in his squad.

    The believer tries not to lose courage. He takes care of his health and keeps in shape by exercising on the horizontal bar.

    Aleksandr appreciates the support of friends and caring people. For about two months, there were interruptions in letters, but now the situation has returned to normal.

    In October, the believer had a long visit with his wife and children.

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