In Kabardino-Balkaria, a believer appealed against an unjust verdict

On December 29, 2018, an appeal was filed with the Supreme Court of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic against the verdict of the Prokhladnensky District Court of the KBR, which found Arkadya Hakobyan guilty under Part 1 of Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and sentenced him to 120 hours of compulsory labor. The prosecutor asked for a 3-year suspended sentence.

The court's guilty decision is based on the confusing and contradictory testimony of five prosecution witnesses, which was changed and supplemented many times during the trial. The veracity of their testimony is highly questionable.

The court did not take into account the facts testifying in favor of the accused, as well as the circumstances that positively characterize Arkadya as a calm, non-conflict person who deeply respects people of different nationalities and religions. The criminal prosecution of this peaceful citizen is a direct violation of his civil rights.

It is noteworthy that the guilty verdict was announced immediately after the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin about the need to carefully understand why Jehovah's Witnesses are declared extremists.

Extremism, including incitement to hatred and enmity, completely contradicts the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, peaceful citizens living according to the commandments of Jesus Christ. The defense asks the court to cancel the decision of the Prokhladnensky District Court and fully acquit Arkady Hakobyan, recognizing his right to rehabilitation.