Detention: On August 24, 2022, FSB officers conducted a series of searches in the homes of believers in Sevastopol. Following the searches, Serhii Zhigalov and another believer, Viktor Kudinov, were detained. Two days later, the court placed them under house arrest, which was later changed to a prohibition of certain actions. Russian investigators charged Zhigalov under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ('Organization of the activities of an extremist organization'), claiming he organized online worship services and coordinated the activities of the Jehovah's Witnesses community. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations emphasize that the persecution is solely related to exercising the right to freedom of religion, not any violent activities.

Sentence: In February 2025, the Russia-controlled Gagarinsky District Court of Sevastopol found Serhii Zhigalov guilty and sentenced him to 6 years in a general regime colony with 1 year of restricted freedom after release. He was taken into custody immediately after the verdict was announced. Subsequently, the appellate court upheld the sentence. The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' recognized Serhii Zhigalov as a political prisoner, and Ukrainian human rights organizations view his case as an example of religious persecution in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.

Serhii Oleksandrovych Zhigalov was born on March 30, 1971, a citizen of Ukraine, resident of Sevastopol, and a believer of the religious organization 'Jehovah's Witnesses'. In 2019, his home was first searched in a case concerning his co-religionist. Three years later, Serhii was searched again, and a criminal case was initiated against him for his faith, accusing him of extremism.

Serhii was born in the mining town of Snizhne, Donetsk region, in March 1971 to a working-class family. He has a younger brother. In childhood, Serhii was fond of breeding aquarium fish, enjoyed exercising on bars, and playing football. He was interested in spiritual topics and persuaded his grandmother, a devout woman, to take him to church.

After serving in the army, Serhii worked for 6 years in a mine and completed a degree in 'Accounting and Audit' through distance learning. Since 1997, he has worked as a plumber.

In 2000, Serhii moved to Crimea, where he met Olga, who became his wife in 2007.

In August 2022, searches were again conducted in the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses in Sevastopol. Two men, Serhii Zhigalov and Viktor Kudinov, were detained and placed under house arrest two days later. The Investigative Committee accused the believers of organizing the activities of an extremist organization. In October, the court changed the preventive measure to a prohibition of certain actions.

The criminal prosecution of Serhii brought many difficulties for the entire family. The couple had to change their place of residence and faced work-related issues. Olga developed health problems due to stress. The search of her mother, who suffers from an incurable disease, added to their worries.

Relatives, friends, neighbors, and clients of Serhii do not understand why he is being persecuted, as they know him as a decent, friendly, and non-confrontational person. Many voluntarily provided positive character references for the believer.

Serhii and his parents have different religious views, but they are confident in his innocence. They consider the arrest unjust and the charges fabricated.

Serhii Zhigalov's case is documented by Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial, the Crimean Human Rights Group, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the international organization JW.org, and the portal JW Russia, which monitors the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine. All of them consider the case to be political in nature and related solely to his religious beliefs.

As of July 12, 2026, Serhii Zhigalov continues to serve an unlawfully imposed sentence by the Russian occupation court. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations continue to demand his release, the cessation of persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses, and Russia's compliance with international obligations regarding freedom of religion.

Information used from open sources: Human Rights Center ZMINA, Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimean Human Rights Group, Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial, JW Russia, JW.org.

Photo: Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners.

Update date: 12.07.2026