Searches and Criminal Case for Faith in Severodvinsk

On March 13, 2019, in Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk Region), searches were carried out in the homes of at least seven citizens suspected of practicing the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A criminal case was opened against Vladimir Teterin, 61, and Sergey Potilitsyn, 37. Vladimir Teterin signed a recognizance agreement promising to appear in court at a future date.

Searches were conducted by several Federal Security Service (FSB) investigators, including P. Yuriev, I. Kozodubov and I. Mironov. The Severodvinsk City Court sanctioned the searches. Some Witnesses were taken to the city of Arkhangelsk, where they were interrogated at the FSB Directorate. After the interrogations, which continued until the late night hours, all were released.