Helping Friends Resulted in Criminal Punishment. Elementary School Teacher from Crimea Given a Suspended Sentence for Her Faith

On November 12, 2026, the Simferopol District Court announced the verdict against Anna Moroz, 28. Judge Yelena Dybova found her guilty of participating in the activity of an extremist organization and financing the activity of an extremist organization. The believer was given a 4-year and 6-month suspended sentence.

Anna has practiced the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses since childhood. She told the court that thanks to the Bible she learned to be peaceful and to care for others. "My beliefs and convictions helped me in my professional activity," she said in her final statement. "With colleagues, parents, and students there was friendly, respectful, and trusting communication, which remains to this day; we held discussions with students about showing respect for elders, obeying parents, resolving conflicts peacefully, and supporting one another." Anna is now unemployed — due to the criminal prosecution, she was asked to resign.

The reason for initiating the criminal case against Anna was a transfer of 2,000 rubles to an acquaintance. These funds were intended for a family whose members needed material assistance after illness. The investigation regarded such assistance as financing the activity of an extremist organization. Among the "evidence" of the believer's guilt was a canvas where Anna's friends and relatives left well-wishes and congratulations on her wedding day. In addition, the investigation added Anna's family photographs to the case materials.

To date, in Crimea, 41 Jehovah's Witnesses have faced criminal prosecution; 9 of them are being held in penal colonies.