Alexander Protasov
Alexander Protasov, born 1956, Chuvashia. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “Alexander Protasov's case”. Sentence (May 30, 2025): 6 years' suspended imprisonment. Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion.
In brief
Chuvashia · NULL · Pensioners · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
6 years
suspended imprisonment
No information about an appeal ruling.
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, "committed active actions expressed in holding.... meetings with the participation of at least 20 persons from among the followers of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious group"
Latest event
May 30, 2025 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict: 6 years.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 6 years
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Persecution begins
Alexander Protasov's case
Criminal case
Alexander Protasov's case
- Case number
- 1-118/2025
Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of Novocheboksarsk (Chuvashia). Before retirement, he worked as a foreman for repairing turbine equipment. In May 2023, he was searched in the case of his fellow countryman Yuri Yuskov, who was accused of involvement in the activities of the Jehovah's Witnesses community. In September 2024, a case was opened against Protasov himself for participation in the activities of an extremist organisation. Representatives of the Jehovah's Witnesses community are prosecuted under extremist articles solely because of their religious activities - holding meetings and worship services and attracting new supporters. Protasov was given a covenant not to leave the country. In May 2025, the court sentenced him to six years' suspended imprisonment.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
- Preventive measures
- travel ban (written undertaking)
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.