Svetlana Monis
Svetlana Monis, born 1977, Jewish Autonomous Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of Svetlana Monis”. Sentence (February 27, 2023): two years six months of suspended imprisonment. Status: at large. Recognition: Union of Solidarity with Political Prisoners — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion, December 11, 2020; Memorial Human Rights Centre — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion, April 5, 2020.
In brief
Jewish Autonomous Oblast · Birobidzhan · Entrepreneurs · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
2 years 6 months
two years six months of suspended imprisonment
First instance, February 14, 2021: a fine of ten thousand rubles (~100 US)
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
"participated directly ... for the purpose of propagating the Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrine .... by enhancing skills in preaching ministry and other religious activities"
Latest event
February 27, 2023 — appeal
The court upheld the verdict.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Union of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, December 11, 2020
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial Human Rights Centre, April 5, 2020
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· Persecution ends
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion
Union of Solidarity with Political Prisoners
· Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion
Memorial Human Rights Centre
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
The case of Svetlana Monis
Criminal case
The case of Svetlana Monis
Details and sources
Full summary
On September 26, 2019, a case was opened regarding participation in the activities of an extremist organization. A recognizance not to leave was taken. On February 15, 2021, she was sentenced to a fine of 10 thousand rubles. On May 12, the appellate court replaced the fine with two and a half years probation. On December 9, the cassation court sent the case for a new trial in the appellate court. On March 9, 2022, the appellate court sent the case for a new trial in the court of first instance. On October 31, the trial court sentenced her to two and a half years probation.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.