Maksim Khamatshin

Resident of Chelyabinsk. On September 8, 2022, his home was searched in connection with a criminal case regarding involvement in the activities of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community, previously initiated against another Chelyabinsk resident, Yevgeniy Bushev. On June 29, 2023, similar criminal charges were brought against Khamatshin himself. He was given a recognisance not to leave the country. On April 3, 2025, Khamatshin was sentenced to six years in a general regime colony.

Representatives of this community are prosecuted under extremist legislation solely because of their religious activities - holding meetings, conducting worship services, and recruiting new followers.