Name: Kuznetsov Aleksey Vladimirovich
Date of Birth: September 10, 1974
Current status: defendant
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (1)

Biography

In June 2023, Aleksey Kuznetsov was charged with extremism for discussing biblical thoughts with friends via video link. This came as a surprise to him, as he always respected the state and its laws.

Aleksey was born in September 1974 in the city of Bezhetsk, Tver Region. His father died in 2022. He was a soldier, so the family moved frequently. His mother worked in the accounting department and is now retired.

As a child, Aleksey loved to play the guitar, as well as solder and assemble electronic devices according to schemes. After graduating from a technical university, he worked as an engineer and teacher.

In the late 1990s, Aleksey became interested in the historical events mentioned in the Bible. He was struck by the fact that many of the prophecies in this book had already been fulfilled. In 2002, he became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

In September 2023, Aleksey married Nataliya. She shares his views on life. Nataliya works in a hospital, where she performs the duties of junior medical staff. In her free time, she enjoys reading classical literature and traveling. Aleksey likes to do something useful with his own hands. Together, the couple enjoy listening to live music and watching historical films.

Due to the stress caused by the criminal prosecution, Aleksey and his mother's chronic illnesses worsened. Relatives and friends who do not share the religious views of the believer are surprised that such a peace-loving and decent person is accused of extremism.

Case History

In July 2021, searches were carried out at the homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the cities of Konakovo and Ivanovo. Aleksandr Shchetinin, Sergey Naumenko, Oleg Katamov, Aleksey Kuznetsov and Aleksandr Starikov, who takes care of his seriously ill elderly father, were prosecuted. The case against the believers was initiated by the FSB. All five men were charged with “organizing the activity of an extremist organization” simply for reading the Bible and discussing Christian teachings with residents of the Konakovo district. The believers were added to the Rosfinmonitoring list — their access to personal accounts was blocked. In October 2023, the case went to court.
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