NOVEMBER 29, 2023
RUSSIA

Five Brothers Convicted by Russian Court in Saratov Region

PLAY

On November 23, 2023, the Balakovskiy District Court of the Saratov Region announced its verdict in the case involving Brothers Aleksey Bogatov, Yevgeniy Fomashin, Vladimir Mavrin, Andrey Murych, and Sergey Tyurin. All five brothers were convicted. Aleksey and Vladimir each received a suspended prison sentence of six years. Andrey, Sergey, and Yevgeniy were each fined 300,000 rubles ($3,362 U.S.). None of the brothers are required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Yevgeniy Fomashin

Born: 1977 (Balakovo)

Biography: Worked as an electrician

Took an interest in the Bible’s promise of peace and harmony on the earth. Baptized in 2013. Learned sign language to aid the deaf in his community

Personal Comments

How have the examples of brothers detained in the past affected you?

While I was in the detention center, I thought about how Brothers Konstantin Bazhenov, Aleksey Budenchuk, Gennadiy German, Roman Gridasov, Feliks Makhammadiyev, and Aleksey Miretskiy were detained in that very same building in 2018-2019. Their examples of faith strengthened me. And I continue to be encouraged by the many brothers and sisters around the world who are keeping their integrity despite various challenges. It feels as if we are all going through these trials side by side.

Andrey Murych

Born: 1991 (Balakovo)

Biography: Is a steelworker

First learned about the Bible from his grandmother. Amazed by fulfillment of Bible prophecies. Baptized in 2007

Married Anastasiya in 2009. They have a daughter

Personal Comments

What helped you to cope with the challenges of being in the detention center?

For me, the hardest part of pretrial detention was maintaining my joy, especially during the first two months. One thing that helped was thinking about how my attitude, even in that difficult situation, would show Jehovah whether I was grateful for all he had done for me. Maintaining my integrity with joy would be the best way to show that gratitude. I also became more convinced that with Jehovah’s help I can overcome anything. Jehovah can give me peace in any situation.

Sergey Tyurin

Born: 1994 (Balakovo)

Biography: Worked as an electrician

Introduced to the Bible by his grandmother. Became convinced that applying Bible principles was the key to having a successful life. Baptized in 2012

Married Yelizaveta in 2018

Personal Comments

What lessons have you learned from being persecuted for your faith?

I have learned three things. First, Jehovah is always there to support me. He sees what I need most, and he knows the best time to give it. Second, confidence in Jehovah’s promises is vital for me to maintain my inner peace. While persecution is never easy, it lasts for only a moment compared to the eternity of blessings ahead. Soon, I won’t even recall any of these hardships. And third, the unity that we have as a brotherhood is a treasure. It makes it so much easier to endure difficulties, and it must be protected.

The examples of these five faithful brothers are a reminder that we can endure adversity for the good news when we rely on the power of God.—2 Timothy 1:8.

Time Line

February 11, 2022

Criminal case initiated
March 23, 2022

FSB officers searched the homes of all five brothers. Each was interrogated and sent to a temporary detention center
March 25, 2022

Brothers placed in a pretrial detention center
January 23, 2023

Brothers released from custody and placed under travel restrictions
July 21, 2023

Criminal trial began
November 23, 2023

Convicted

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Five Brothers Convicted by Russian Court in Saratov Region

Profiles

Time Line

You May Also Like

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia