Elena Kozhevnikova
Elena Kozhevnikova, born 1961, Samara Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “Elena Kozhevnikova's case on participation in the activities of an extremist organisation”. Sentence (March 4, 2024): A suspended sentence of two years in prison. Status: at large.
In brief
Samara Oblast · Tolyatti · Pensioners · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
2 years
A suspended sentence of two years in prison
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
On 15 May 2023, Anatoly Grekov, an investigator from the Central Investigative Department of Togliatti initiated a criminal case under Article 282.2 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation against 61-year-old Elena Kozhevnikova. On 16 May 2023 searches were conducted at four addresses in Togliatti, including Elena Kozhevnikova's residence. On 22 June 2023 investigator Ruslan Mgoyan formally charged Elena Kozhevnikova as a defendant, accusing her of actively participating in the activities of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious organisation via video-conference. The criminal case was brought before the Central District Court of Togliatti on 21 July 2023 and assigned to Judge Irina Onuchina. Current stage of the case is trial in the court of first instance.
Latest event
June 30, 2026 — removed from the rosfinmonitoring list
Timeline
· Removed from the Rosfinmonitoring list
· Imprisonment ends
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 2 years
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
Elena Kozhevnikova's case on participation in the activities of an extremist organisation
Criminal case
Elena Kozhevnikova's case on participation in the activities of an extremist organisation
- Case number
- 1-525/2023
Thematic group: The case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Tolyatti
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of Togliatti, Kozhevnikova initially worked in an atelier and later in a department store. After retirement, she worked part-time as a maid and cleaner. On 16 May 2023, Kozhevnikova's home was searched and travel restrictions were imposed. Subsequently Kozhevnikova was charged with participation in the activities of an extremist organisation. On 4 March 2024, she received a two-year suspended sentence.
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.