Vladimir Melnik
Vladimir Melnik is listed as imprisoned, but other details in the same record do not agree:
- the end of imprisonment is recorded as October 9, 2026.
Vladimir Melnik, born 1965, Oryol Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Organization of the activities of an extremist organization); Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The third case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Orel”. Sentence (October 13, 2023): 6 years' imprisonment in a general regime colony, 1 year 6 months' restricted liberty, and a 3-year ban on engaging in…
In brief
Oryol Oblast · Oryol · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
6 years
imprisonment in a general regime colony, 1 year 6 months' restricted liberty, and a 3-year ban on engaging in any activity related to heading or participating in the work of public or religious organizations and associations
Upheld April 8, 2024
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Organization of the activities of an extremist organization
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
Involved in organizing and participating in the activities of an extremist organization.
Latest event
April 8, 2024 — appeal
The court upheld the verdict.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 6 years
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
Pre-trial Detention Centre №1 (SIZO-1) of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russian Federation for the Oryol Oblast
· Persecution begins
The third case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Orel
· Preventive measure: placement in a temporary detention facility
Criminal case
The third case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Orel
Other defendants in the case
- Vladimir Piskarev — Imprisoned, 6 years
- Artur Putintsev — Imprisoned, 6 years
Thematic group: The third case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Orel
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of Orel. On December 9, 2020, he was detained following a search. On December 11, the court ruled to place him in custody on charges of involvement in the activities of an extremist organization, citing his connection to a Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation. Members of this community face prosecution under extremist articles solely for practicing their religion: holding gatherings, collective worship, and recruiting new adherents. On October 13, 2023, he was sentenced to six years in a general-regime penal colony. On April 9, 2025, he was released.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.