Name: Salnikov Aleksandr Viktorovich
Date of Birth: April 17, 1961
Current status: convicted person
Articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation: 282.2 (1)
Time spent in prison: 2 day in a temporary detention facility
Current restrictions: suspended sentence
Sentence: punishment in the form of 6 years of imprisonment, the sentence of imprisonment shall be considered suspended with a probationary period of 4 years with restriction of liberty for a period of 1 year 6 months

Biography

In April 2023, Aleksandr Salnikov and his family were among Jehovah's Witnesses subjected to searches. A criminal case was opened against the believer, accusing him of extremism.

Aleksandr was born in April 1961 in Magnitogorsk. He has two elder sisters. Their parents are no longer alive. As a child, Aleksandr was fond of wood burning, collecting badges and stamps. During his school years, he went to the boxing section, and later was engaged in classical wrestling. From the 4th grade until he served in the army, he kept pigeons. He also always loved to read.

After graduating from school, Aleksandr received the profession of an electric welder. After the army, he got a job at the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works, where he worked for 13 years as a cold metal cutter on a slitting unit. For the last 27 years, he worked at the municipal enterprise, where he was a foreman of locksmiths for 19 years.

Alexander has 40 years of professional work experience, now he is retired. For high professional skills, many years of conscientious work, significant contribution to the development of the industry, he has been repeatedly awarded for distinction in his work, and also has a certificate of honor from the head of the city of Magnitogorsk.

While working at the plant, Aleksandr met Nelly, who was a quality controller in the same workshop. They got married in 1985. The couple raised two children, the son already has his own family.

In 1999, the Salnikovs began to study the Bible. Aleksandr was particularly impressed by the accuracy of this book in scientific matters. A year later, the couple embarked on the Christian path of life. Their adult children share their life values.

Persecution for their faith had a negative impact on the health of the Salnikovs. Aleksandr and his daughter had exacerbated chronic diseases, which required treatment.

Case History

Early one morning in April 2023, several Magnitogorsk FSB officers arrived to search Aleksandr Salnikov’s home. The head of the family, his wife and daughter were interrogated. In line with the court’s decision, similar measures were taken on the same morning at seven other addresses. After the interrogation, Salnikov was placed in a temporary holding facility for 2 days, and then he was released under a recognizance agreement. The Investigative Committee suspected him of organizing the activity of an extremist organization. In April 2024, the case went to court. In August, he was given a 6-year suspended sentence.
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