The criminal investigation against a 53-year-old Jehovah’s Witness from Kerch has been completed

The investigation into the criminal case against a 53-year-old Jehovah’s Witness from Kerch has been completed, and the case files will now be submitted to the court. This was reported by the local branch of the Investigative Committee.

The believer is charged under the article on organising the activities of an extremist organisation (Part 1, Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code). It is likely referring to Vitaliy Burik. News of his persecution emerged in October 2024. At that time, law enforcement officers carried out searches at no fewer than ten addresses linked to Jehovah’s Witnesses, including Burik’s home.

The portal “Jehovah’s Witnesses. Legal Situation in Russia” reported on 17 June that Burik had been taken from house arrest to hospital with a high fever. Despite this, he was served with the indictment—an official came to the hospital to deliver the documents.

Burik was detained on 9 October 2024 in the boiler room where he worked—to gain entry to the premises, police officers cut through a thick chain on the gates. He was then taken home so a search could be conducted. Officers also carried out searches in a flat and two garages belonging to the believer’s relatives. After being questioned, Burik was placed in a detention facility for two days, and was then transferred to house arrest.