One of Jehovah's Witnesses Maksim Zinchenko Sentenced to 2 Years of Forced Labor in Crimea for Talking About the Bible

According to the decision of the Nakhimovsky District Court of Sevastopol, Maksim Zinchenko was sentenced to two years of forced labor for participating in peaceful meetings for worship. Judge Valeriy Kuznetsov announced this decision on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

A year earlier, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation initiated a criminal case against Zinchenko. The law enforcement officers searched Maksim's house in Feodosia, then took him to Sevastopol, and after interrogation, he was held in a temporary detention facility for two days. The court later placed him under house arrest for 8 months.

The charge brought against Zinchenko of participating in the activity of an extremist organization was based on hidden recordings of meetings for worship, during which, according to the investigation, the believer "preached" and "actively participated in the study of religious literature." At one of the court hearings, Maksim commented on this as follows: "I see from the facts of the charges, that only the name of my religion and the fact that I am not ashamed to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses constitute a crime and not the presence of extremism [according to the investigation] in my words and actions." He believes that his right to worship God freely has been unlawfully restricted. He has the right to appeal the court's decision.

According to Zinchenko, he and his wife felt supported throughout the proceedings: "Karina and I feel so much love and care of friends from all over the world — video messages and assurances of love from different countries, strong support at the courtroom . . .". He also noted that he appreciates the practical help provided by friends.

In Crimea, 10 Jehovah's Witnesses have already been sentenced: nine men are serving sentences in penal colonies and another received a suspended sentence.