Mikhail Koval
Mikhail Koval, Moscow. Charges: Article 284.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code (Organization of the activities of an undesirable organization); “The “Revival” Church case in Moscow”. Sentence (December 3, 2024): 4 years' imprisonment in a general regime penal colony, with a 7-year ban on engaging in religious activities. Status: imprisoned; deprived of liberty since October 5, 2023. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as a political prisoner, November 9, 2025.
In brief
Moscow · Moscow
Sentence
4 years
imprisonment in a general regime penal colony, with a 7-year ban on engaging in religious activities.
Upheld August 7, 2025
Charges
- Article 284.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code — Organization of the activities of an undesirable organization
Full wording of the charges
“During interviews with the sect’s adherents and their close relatives, numerous instances of harm to participants’ health were documented, including cases in which they sought medical care and were diagnosed with psychological disorders as a result of attending the sect’s meetings. Currently, Russian cells serve as a tool for shaping a protest electorate in the country.”
Latest event
November 9, 2025 — recognised as a political prisoner
Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as a political prisoner — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners, November 9, 2025
Timeline
· Recognised as a political prisoner
Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 4 years
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
· Persecution begins
The “Revival” Church case in Moscow
Criminal case
The “Revival” Church case in Moscow
- Case number
- 01-0461/2024
Other defendants in the case
- Ilona Nagornova — Imprisoned, 3 years 6 months
- Nadezhda Ukhova — Imprisoned, 3 years
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Details and sources
Full summary
He was detained in Moscow in October 2023 in connection with a case on involvement in an “undesirable” organization, related to his activities with the Ukrainian church “Vozrozhdenie.” On 3 December 2024, Koval was sentenced to 4 years' imprisonment in a general-regime penal colony.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 284.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.