All assessments of the criminal prosecution of specific individuals, including the designation of detained persons as political prisoners, reflect the position of our Project. Such assessments are not based on the views and assessments of the individuals being prosecuted, their families, friends or lawyers, and do not imply their consent or approval. The information regarding the facts of specific criminal cases published on our Project’s website has been obtained from public sources and does not imply or require the consent of the individuals mentioned therein or their representatives.

Verkhoturov Sergei Vitalievich

Date of birth: December 9, 1974 (51 years old)
citizenship: Россия
City of residence: Nizhny Novgorod
Occupation: рабочие профессии
Article of the Criminal Code:  282.2 ч. 1 ; 282.2 ч. 2
Form of repression:  pre-trial detention
Pursuit stage:  preliminary investigation
Date of arrest:  March 17, 2026
Date of sentencing:  March 5, 2021
Current location:  Remand Prison No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Sergei Verkhoturov, born on 9 December 1974, lives in Nizhny Novgorod, and works as a labourer.

He was convicted under Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code (‘Organisation of the activities of an extremist organisation’) in connection with his membership in the Jehovah’s Witnesses community, which is banned in Russia, and sentenced to six years’ suspended imprisonment with a four-year probation period. The criminal case was initiated on 17 July 2019, and a preventive measure in the form of a ban on certain actions was imposed.

On 19 March 2026, he was detained in connection with a new criminal case under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code (‘Participation in the activities of an extremist organisation’) and remanded in custody.

  • List of Jehovah’s Witnesses Facing Prosecution (updated)