Vladimir Melnik

A resident of Orel. On December 9, 2020, he was detained following a search. On December 11, the court ruled to place him in custody on charges of involvement in the activities of an extremist organization, citing his connection to a Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation. Members of this community face prosecution under extremist articles solely for practicing their religion: holding gatherings, collective worship, and recruiting new adherents. On October 13, 2023, he was sentenced to six years in a general-regime penal colony. On April 9, 2025, he was released.