Elena Shestopalova
Elena Shestopalova, born 1965, Jewish Autonomous Oblast. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Birobidzhan”. Status: at large.
In brief
Jewish Autonomous Oblast · Birobidzhan · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
No information about a verdict.
Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
Participation in "extremist" organisations
Latest event
October 9, 2025 — persecution begins
The case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Birobidzhan
Criminal case
The case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Birobidzhan
- Case number
- 1-240/2026
Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of Birobidzhan. On 9 October 2025, her home was searched in connection with a case concerning participation in the activities of an extremist organisation due to her involvement with the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.
Members of this community are prosecuted under Russia’s anti-extremism laws solely for their religious activities: holding meetings and worship services, and attracting new followers.
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.