Arrest: On November 17, 2022, Russian security forces conducted a series of mass searches in the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses, after which a criminal case was initiated against Oleksandr Voronchykhin under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ('organization of the activities of an extremist organization'). After interrogation, he was released under travel restrictions. Human rights defenders consider the prosecution politically motivated and solely related to the exercise of the right to freedom of religion.

Sentence: As of July 26, 2026, there is no final verdict. The criminal case is under consideration in the Russian-controlled Simferopol District Court. Oleksandr Voronchykhin remains under travel restrictions.

Oleksandr Anatoliyovych Voronchykhin was born on May 5, 1965, in Zlatoust, Chelyabinsk region. In his childhood, he was interested in orienteering. At the end of the Soviet period, he became a Jehovah's Witness when members of this religious community were still persecuted by the state. He later moved to Crimea, where he lived in Simferopol with his family.

Before the start of the criminal prosecution, Oleksandr Voronchykhin led a normal civilian life. Open sources indicate that he worked in construction and repair and actively participated in the life of his religious community. His family describes him as a peaceful person who did not engage in political activities or advocate violence.

After the 2017 decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation to ban the legal entities of Jehovah's Witnesses, Russian authorities began mass criminal prosecutions of believers, including in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. Human rights organizations have repeatedly emphasized that peaceful religious practice and participation in worship cannot be considered extremist activities.

On November 17, 2022, officers of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and the FSB conducted mass searches in the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses in Simferopol. After the search, Oleksandr Voronchykhin was taken for questioning and informed of suspicion of 'organizing the activities of an extremist organization.' According to the investigation, he organized religious gatherings where biblical texts were discussed. The defense emphasizes that these actions were regular worship services and contained no signs of extremism.

In August 2023, Russian security forces conducted new searches in the case, including among relatives and other believers. New figures were added to the criminal proceedings, after which the case was returned to the prosecutor several times to correct procedural deficiencies and then resubmitted to the court. Despite the lengthy proceedings, no evidence of violent activity or incitement to it was provided by the investigation.

The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' considers the prosecution of Oleksandr Voronchykhin unlawful, as it is based solely on his religious activities. International human rights organizations share this view, considering criminal cases against Jehovah's Witnesses as violations of the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

As of July 26, 2026, Oleksandr Voronchykhin is not in custody but remains accused in the criminal case and is under travel restrictions. There is no final verdict in the case.

Information used from open sources: Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' project, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.

Photo: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.

Last updated: 26.07.2026.