A Visually Impaired Man Convicted "for Extremism" in Shadrinsk. The Court Imposed a Fine on Him

On March 3, 2026, the Shadrinsk District Court sentenced Vladimir Gaydyshev, 53, a visually impaired with a disability of group I, to a fine of 300,000 rubles for participating in the activities of an extremist organization, in fact, for the peaceful practice of faith.

Vladimir cannot see in the dark and in dim rooms; he cannot read the usual font size even with glasses. He said that after the start of the persecution, his eyesight fell even more: "I can hardly perform even ordinary household chores." In addition, he has several diseases, including neurological. The believer needs periodic treatment, but due to his recognizance agreement he could not receive medical care in full. Speaking in court before the verdict, he said: "Undeserved persecution . . . became a great stress for me and my elderly mother . . . I haven't lived quietly for almost 5 years."

In 2021, Vladimir Gaydyshev's house was searched. The second search took place at his mother's house, who was 80 at the time. In April 2025, the investigation charged Vladimir with extremism, which, according to law enforcement officers, consisted of participating in religious meetings. Later in court, the believer stated that it was impossible to find calls to hatred in his words and explained it this way: "My inner beliefs are based on the Bible, and it teaches me to love all people, even those who are hostile."

Numerous friends do not leave Vladimir: they help him with household chores, caring for his mother, who also has a disability, and also provide emotional support. The believer himself also tries not to lose heart. He says: "I took my emotional and physical health seriously to withstand this test with honor. Thanks to this, I feel improvements."

In the Kurgan Region, 10 Jehovah's Witnesses have already faced criminal prosecution for their faith. Five of them received heavy fines, among them Aleksandr Lubin, a disabled person of group II, who died shortly after the verdict was passed.