Alexander Sazhin
Alexander Sazhin, born 1971, Primorsky Krai. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of Alexander Sazhin”. Sentence (January 28, 2025): 3 years' suspended sentence. Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion.
In brief
Primorsky Krai · NULL · Drivers · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
3 years
suspended sentence
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, Sazhin "organised the weekly meetings of the religious group via videoconferencing"
Latest event
January 28, 2025 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict: 3 years.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 3 years
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
The case of Alexander Sazhin
Criminal case
The case of Alexander Sazhin
Details and sources
Full summary
Sazhin is a resident of Primorsky Krai. He worked on fishing vessels, including as a captain, then as a taxi driver and a technician in telecom stores. In April 2023, his home was searched as part of a case on participation in the activities of an extremist organisation in connection with his involvement with the Jehovah's Witnesses community. Representatives of this community are prosecuted under extremist articles solely because of their religious activities such as holding meetings and worship services and attracting new supporters. Sazhin signed a recognisance bond not to leave the country. On 28 January 2025, he received a three-year suspended sentence.
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.