Mikhail Proshenkov
Mikhail Proshenkov, born 1967, Saratov Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Organization of the activities of an extremist organization); “The second case of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Saratov region”. Status: under house arrest. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as a political prisoner.
In brief
Saratov Oblast · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
No information about a verdict.
Preventive measure: house arrest since October 9, 2025
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Organization of the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, the accused and other believers "resumed and organised on the territory of Saratov the operation of a local religious unit, which was expressed in convening meetings and carrying out preaching activities".
Latest event
October 9, 2025 — preventive measure: house arrest
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as a political prisoner — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Timeline
· Preventive measure: house arrest
· 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 Saratov Oblast
· Persecution begins
The second case of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Saratov region
· Preventive measure: placement in a temporary detention facility
Criminal case
The second case of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Saratov region
Other defendants in the case
- Aleksander Akelin — Under house arrest
- Sergei Efremov — Under house arrest
- Alexei Kazakov — Under house arrest
- Filipp Ombysh — Under house arrest
Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of the Saratov region. In early September 2025, he was detained in a case of participation in an extremist organisation due to involvement in the activities of the Jehovah's Witnesses community. On September 5, the court remanded him in custody. On October 9, on appeal, his preventive measure was changed to house arrest.
Jehovah's Witnesses are prosecuted under extremist articles solely because of their religious activities - holding meetings and worship services and attracting new supporters.
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.