The case of Lukin in Moscow

Captain of Justice D. T. Mamedova, Senior Investigator of the Department for Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the Investigative Department for the Northern Administrative District of the Main Investigation Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the city of Moscow, separates the criminal case against unidentified persons under Part 1 of Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation from the case of Aleksandr Serebryakov into a separate proceeding.

Proceedings in the case are suspended due to the absence of persons involved.

Senior Investigator of the Savelovsky Interdistrict Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee for the Northern Administrative District of the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the city of Moscow, Senior Lieutenant of Justice V. I. Safin, resumes the proceedings in the case.

The Savyolovsky District Court of Moscow, chaired by Judge Dmitry Makarenkov, authorizes searches of Andrey Lukin and Viktor Velikov.

Together with Andrey Lukin, three more people are kept, there are enough beds. The cellmates smoke a lot and use obscene language, but they listen to Andrey's suggestion to replace swear words with others that fit the meaning. There is no refrigerator and TV in the cell. The food in the pre-trial detention center is normal, it is possible to order additional food.

Due to stress, Andrey's chronic illnesses worsened, but the man is not discouraged. He has the opportunity to read the Gospels and draw. Letters from friends and relatives provide great support to the believer.

Viktor Velikov and Andrey Lukin are in pre-trial detention center No. 4 in Moscow.

The materials for Andrey Lukin are made into separate proceedings. Now his case is being considered separately from the case of Viktor Velikov.

Andrey Lukin is in a cell with two other prisoners. None of the cellmates smoke inside or swear. There is hot water and drinking water in the cell. The necessary medicines are given to the believer. Relations with cellmates and staff of the detention center are friendly. Andrey is grateful for the letters of support — he has put together an album from greeting cards and photos. Recently, he got a personal copy of the Bible.

The case goes to the Savelovskiy District Court of Moscow. It will be considered by Judge Anna Kozlova.

Andrey Lukin and Viktor Velikov are in pretrial detention center No. 3 for Moscow.

Andrey Lukin's case is being transferred to the Dmitrov City Court of the Moscow Region. It will be reconsidered by Judge Olga Pershina.

In the Dmitrov City Court, chaired by Judge Olga Pershina, the consideration of the case of Andrey Lukin on the merits begins.

About thirty people from different cities came to the meeting to support Andrey and his wife. Everyone is allowed to be present: those who did not have enough seats stand.

The lawyer filed a motion to return the case to the investigator, since the alleged crime belonged to the Dmitrovsky district. The case was conducted by Moscow law enforcement officers, which violates the norms of territorial investigation. The judge dismisses the motion.

The prosecutor announces the charge. According to the defense, there are no facts in it proving that Lukin committed the crime imputed to him, there is no place and time of the crime, witnesses and victims.

Andrey Lukin is transferred to the pretrial detention center for the city of Sergiyev Posad.

Andrey Lukin is in pretrial detention center No. 3 for Moscow.

Andrey Lukin is in pretrial detention center No. 8 for the Moscow Region.

There are about thirty listeners in the hall.

Andrey Lukin expresses his attitude to the charges. The believer notes that there is no ban on the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, so his lecture at a meeting for worship is quite legal. He emphasizes that he did not call anyone to illegal actions.

Two witnesses for the prosecution are testifying. The first woman tells the court that she personally does not know anyone she is asked to tell about. The second states that she has never heard any statements from Lukin that humiliate people of other nationalities or religions. She characterizes Andrey Lukin as a kind, compassionate, ready to help.

Giving evidence to the court, Andrey Lukin explains that his actions are a common and legal religious practice of Jehovah's Witnesses, which has nothing to do with extremism.

The believer asks the court to replace his restriction measure with one not related to arrest. He needs to take care of his elderly mother and mother-in-law, as well as cope with his chronic illnesses. He is married, has never been convicted before and has a permanent place of residence.

Judge Olga Pershina extends the detention of Andrey Lukin for another three months.