Name: Lemeshev Anton Nikolayevich
Date of Birth: February 18, 1987
Current status: accused
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (1)
Time spent in prison: 13 day in a pre-trial detention, 107 day Under house arrest
Current restrictions: recognizance agreement

Biography

On October 18, 2018, in the city of Dyurtyuli (Republic of Bashkortostan), law enforcement agencies conducted at least 11 searches in the homes of citizens because of their religion. According to investigators, Anton Lemeshev organized a religious service in a private apartment. A criminal case was opened against him, he spent two weeks in a pre-trial detention center. What do we know about this man?

Anton was born in 1987 in Asha (Chelyabinsk region). By profession he is a cook and technician-technologist of pasta and bakery products. He also ran a shoe repair shop, and recently he has been working in a taxi.

Anton's parents divorced when he was still a child, but he still maintains a warm relationship with both parents. Anton has an older sister. Since childhood he loves sports: athletics and weightlifting, alpine skiing, basketball.

At a young age, thanks to his mother, Anton discovered the beauty of biblical teachings. "I saw that there was a different life, people who were very different from my previous social circle," he says. "As a result, I personally came to know and love God." Because of his peace-loving Christian convictions, he did alternative civilian service instead of military service.

In 2011, Anton married Elina, an economist by profession, and sees her as a blessing from God. The couple love to spend time in nature with friends.

Anton's relatives are genuinely perplexed as they watch the criminal prosecution unfold against him. Some defend it in front of others. Anton's father, who does not share his religious views, is convinced that the accusations against his son are far-fetched and he did nothing illegal.