Vladimir Balabkin

A resident of the Amur region, cancer patient. In March 2021, Balabkin's home was searched. Later, he was questioned in relation to a case of "organising activities of an extremist organisation" due to his involvement in the activities of the Jehovah's Witness community. Representatives of this community are prosecuted under extremist articles solely because of their religious activities — holding meetings and worship services and attracting new supporters. On September 13, 2023, Balabkin was sentenced to 4 years in a "general regime colony." On December 19, the appeal court commuted the sentence to a year of probation.