Elena Menchikova
Elena Menchikova, born 1964, Karachay-Cherkessia. Charges: Article 282.2 part 1.1, Russian Criminal Code (Involvement of a person in the activities of an extremist organization); Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of Elena Menchikova”. Sentence (January 23, 2024): a suspended sentence of 4 years and 6 months of imprisonment. Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial Human Rights Centre — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion, August 11, 2021.
In brief
Karachay-Cherkessia · Cherkessk · Architects · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
4 years 6 months
a suspended sentence of 4 years and 6 months of imprisonment
First instance, December 15, 2021: 5 years
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 1.1, Russian Criminal Code — Involvement of a person in 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
She participated in meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses aimed at inciting religious hatred, and conducted “recruitment talks” and “adherence examinations”, involving a resident of Cherkessk in the activities of an extremist organisation.
Latest event
August 7, 2026 — imprisonment ends
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial Human Rights Centre, August 11, 2021
Timeline
· Imprisonment ends
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 5 years
· Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion
Memorial Human Rights Centre
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
The case of Elena Menchikova
Criminal case
The case of Elena Menchikova
Details and sources
Full summary
On 12 November 2020, Menchikova’s home was searched as part of a case of participation in the activities of an extremist organisation. She signed personal recognizance. On 9 March 2021, a case was also opened against Menchikova for involving another resident of Cherkessk in the activities of an extremist organisation. On 16 December 2021, she was given a suspended sentence of five years. On 5 December 2022, the court of cassation cancelled the sentence and sent the case for review. On 23 January 2024, the court of first instance gave Menchikova a suspended sentence of four and a half years of imprisonment.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 1.1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.