Ilia Ershov
Ilia Ershov, born 1986, Kurgan Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “Ilia Ershov's case”. Sentenced on January 26, 2026. Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial Human Rights Centre — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion, August 11, 2021.
In brief
Kurgan Oblast · Shadrinsk · Engineers · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
Fine
No information about an appeal ruling.
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
The defendant is involved in the activities of an extremist organisation.
Latest event
January 26, 2026 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial Human Rights Centre, August 11, 2021
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion
Memorial Human Rights Centre
· Persecution begins
Ilia Ershov's case
· Preventive measure: placement in a temporary detention facility
Criminal case
Ilia Ershov's case
- Case number
- 1-15/2026 (1-205/2025;)
Thematic group: The case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Shadrinsk
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of the Kurgan region. On 14 July 2021, Ershov's home was searched and he was detained as part of a case of extremist organisation activity in connection with his membership in a community of Jehovah's Witnesses banned in Russia. Representatives of this community are prosecuted under extremist articles solely for religious activities: meetings, joint worship services, attracting new supporters.
On 16 July Ershov was released in the status of a suspect. On 26 January 2026, the court sentenced him to a fine of 400 thousand rubles.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.