Biography
Dmitriy Dolzhikov, a civilian resident of Chelyabinsk, learned that a criminal case had been opened against him for his faith during the search in his home in September 2022. The man was detained, taken 1500 kilometers to Novosibirsk and placed in a pre-trial detention center. In the summer of 2023, the court sentenced him to 3 years in a penal colony but replaced this decision with forced labor. In the fall of 2025, the believer was released on parole.
Dmitriy Dolzhikov, a civilian resident of Chelyabinsk, learned that a criminal case had been opened against him for his faith when he was searched in September 2022. The man was detained, taken 1500 kilometers to Novosibirsk and placed in a pre-trial detention center.
Dmitriy was born in 1978 in the village of Kamyshevka (Rostov Region). He has two younger brothers. Their father is a truck driver, and their mother is retired.
As a child, Dmitriy was fond of football, and in his youth, he learned to play the guitar. After school, Dmitriy graduated from the railway technical school, where he received the specialty of an assistant driver. He is actively involved in sports, and in his free time he draws and still plays the guitar. In addition, Dmitriy loves to be in nature, to observe animals, especially spiders.
Dmitriy lived in Azov, Tver, Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk. He worked in a furniture factory, repaired and sewed shoes, was engaged in construction work and the production of window and door metal structures.
In Dmitriy's family, his mother was the first to study the Bible, and he himself watched with interest how it changed her character for the better. This prompted Dmitriy to also begin studying the Holy Scriptures. After only three months, he lost the desire to use profanity. Dmitriy decided to become a Christian in 1997.
In 2008, Dmitriy married Marina, an architect-designer by profession. She shares her husband's religious views. Marina is fond of drawing. Together, the Dolzhikovs love to spend time in nature, watch films about animals, sing songs.
When Dmitriy was thrown behind bars, the life of the Dolzhikov spouses changed dramatically. Marina had problems with sleep, feeling anxiety. A positive attitude and the support of friends help her cope with what is happening.
Dmitriy's parents are worried about the situation with believers in Russia. They wonder why the authorities can persecute a man who loves people and life so much.
When Dmitriy was thrown behind bars, the life of the Dolzhikov spouses changed dramatically. Marina had problems with sleep, feeling anxiety. A positive attitude and the support of friends helped her cope with what was happening.