Arrest: On August 7, 2023, Russian security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses, after which Dmytro Zakharevych was detained. He was charged under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ('organization of extremist organization activities') and later under Part 1 of Article 282.3 ('financing of extremist activities'). On August 14, 2023, the court placed him under house arrest. On April 25, 2024, the preventive measure was changed to a travel ban. Human rights defenders consider the prosecution politically motivated and solely related to his religious beliefs.

Sentence: As of July 26, 2026, there is no final verdict in the case. The criminal case is under consideration by the Russia-controlled Simferopol District Court. Dmytro Zakharevych remains under a travel ban. The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' recognizes him as a person subjected to politically motivated persecution.

Dmytro Mykhailovych Zakharevych was born on January 15, 1995. He resides in Simferopol. He is married to Iryna Voronchykhina, the daughter of Oleksandr Voronchykhin, who is also involved in the criminal case against Jehovah's Witnesses. Open sources indicate that Dmytro has adhered to Jehovah's Witnesses' religious beliefs since childhood and has led a peaceful life. Detailed information about his professional activities is not publicly available.

Following the Russian Supreme Court's 2017 decision to liquidate the legal entities of Jehovah's Witnesses, Russian authorities initiated widespread criminal prosecution of believers, including in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. International human rights organizations emphasize that peaceful religious practice cannot be considered extremist activity.

On August 7, 2023, FSB and Russian Investigative Committee officers conducted searches in the homes of several Jehovah's Witnesses families in Simferopol. After the search, Dmytro Zakharevych was detained. According to the investigation, he organized religious meetings, Bible readings, and joint prayers. These peaceful religious practices became the basis for opening a criminal case.

On August 14, 2023, the court imposed house arrest on Dmytro Zakharevych. He remained under it for more than eight months. On April 25, 2024, the house arrest was lifted, but the criminal prosecution continued, and the preventive measure was changed to a travel ban. Later, the investigation additionally charged him with 'financing extremist activities.'

Dmytro Zakharevych's case is being considered by the Simferopol District Court along with proceedings against other Jehovah's Witnesses. The defense emphasizes that the charges lack evidence of violence, calls for violent actions, or any extremist activity and are based solely on his participation in peaceful religious gatherings. The 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' project has recognized him as politically persecuted due to violations of the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

As of July 26, 2026, Dmytro Zakharevych is not in custody but remains accused in a criminal case and is under a travel ban. There is no final verdict in the case.

Information used from open sources: Office 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/'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' project.

Last updated: 26.07.2026.