Zhanna Zhavoronkova
Zhanna Zhavoronkova, born 1982, Nizhny Novgorod 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 Shakhunia”. Sentence (January 30, 2026): 2 years 6 months' suspended sentence. Status: at large. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion.
In brief
Nizhny Novgorod Oblast · NULL · Extremism cases, Cases against Jehovah's Witnesses
Sentence
2 years 6 months
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
Latest event
January 30, 2026 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict: 2 years 6 months.
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as persecuted for exercising freedom of religion — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 2 years 6 months
· Persecution begins
The Case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Shakhunia
Criminal case
The Case of Jehovah's Witnesses in Shakhunia
Other defendants in the case
- Larisa Serdtseva — At large, 2 years 6 months
- Nina Smirnova — At large, 2 years 6 months
Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of Nizhny Novgorod region, she works as an work-assignment clerk of locomotive crews. On 2 December 2024, she was questioned in hospital after suffering a stroke. She was charged with participation in the activities of an extremist organisation due to her involvement with the Jehovah's Witnesses community. Representatives of this community are prosecuted under extremist articles solely because of their religious activities - holding meetings and worship services and involving new supporters. On 30 January 2026, Zhavoronkova was sentenced to a two and a half 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.