Aleksandr Chagan, February 2024
Court of Appeal in Samara Upheld the Harsh Sentence of One of Jehovah's Witnesses — 8 Years in a Penal Colony
Samara RegionOn May 16, 2024, the verdict against Aleksandr Chagan, 53, entered into force based on the decision of a panel of judges of the Samara Regional Court. He became the sixth on the list of Jehovah's Witnesses who were sent to a penal colony for such a long time by Russian courts.
"In my case, Christian values and qualities were rated worthy of 8 years in a penal colony," the believer commented regarding this. In his final statement, Chagan told the court of appeal that he has been living according to Bible standards for more than 20 years, and this has changed his life only for the better: "There is no reason whatsoever to accuse someone of inciting hatred and enmity, who learns to show love for people and respect for their opinions and view on life."
The believer intends to appeal the verdict and the decision of the court of appeal in the court of cassation. Currently, he is being held in Detention Center No. 4 in the Samara Region and will soon be transferred to the place where he will serve his sentence.