Biography
In the summer of 2024, a criminal case was opened against Aleksandr Stefanidin from Izhevsk, searches were carried out in his house, after which the man was sent to a pre-trial detention center. Earlier, in 2021, his older brother Yevgeniy became a defendant in a similar case for his faith.
Aleksandr was born in September 1991 in Izhevsk (Udmurtia). His father is a security guard in a supermarket, and his mother worked as a tram driver and cleaner until her retirement. Aleksandr grew up in a large family: in addition to his elder brother, he has two sisters.
As a child, Aleksandr was engaged in drawing and crafts, in his youth he loved fishing, and went hiking. After school, he studied as an electrician, and then worked for almost 10 years as an administrator of a holding company that rents out commercial real estate.
His mother told Aleksandr about God when he was still in kindergarten. Later, he himself became interested in the Bible and the prophecies recorded in it. In 2007, the young man made the decision to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Because of his peaceful views, instead of military service, he did alternative civilian service in a hospital.
In 2015, Aleksandr married Anastasiya, a lawyer by education who shares his religious views. He moved to his wife in Votkinsk, and 4 years later returned to Izhevsk with her.
Anastasiya is engaged in hair reconstruction, is fond of make-up. Aleksandr still enjoys fishing, and he is also fond of cars. Together, the couple love to walk, travel by car, and watch programs about the animal world and space.
Those close to Aleksandr are worried about what is happening and consider the accusation of extremism groundless. At work, he is appreciated and is waiting for his return. Against the background of emotional stress and separation, Anastasiya's health deteriorated. Despite everything, the couple tries not to lose heart.