Denis Merkulov
Denis Merkulov, born 1976, Murmansk Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Organization of the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of Denis Merkulov”. Sentence (July 18, 2023): a fine of 400 thousand roubles (US$4,350). Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial Human Rights Centre — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion, September 16, 2021.
In brief
Murmansk Oblast · Apatity · Manual workers · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
a fine of 400 thousand roubles (US$4,350)
First instance, March 23, 2023: fine of 500 thousand roubles (US$5,450)
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Organization of the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
Involved in organising the activities of an extremist organisation.
Latest event
July 18, 2023 — appeal
The court changed the sentence.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial Human Rights Centre, September 16, 2021
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
sentence changed
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution ends
· Preventive measure: ban on certain activities
· Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion
Memorial Human Rights Centre
· Preventive measure: house arrest
· Preventive measure: placement in a temporary detention facility
· Persecution begins
The case of Denis Merkulov
Criminal case
The case of Denis Merkulov
Details and sources
Full summary
On 21 July 2021, Merkulov's home was searched. The next day, he was interrogated and detained. On 24 July, the court placed Merkulov under house arrest on charges of organising activities of an extremist organisation. On 17 September, the court ruled to adopt a preventive measure in the form of a ban on certain actions. On 23 March 2023, Merkulov was sentenced to a fine of 500 thousand rubles (US$5,500). On 18 July, the appellate court reduced the fine by 100 thousand.
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.