MAY 2, 2023 | UPDATED: JULY 3, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | Motivated by Examples of Faith

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On June 30, 2023, the Leninskiy District Court of Novosibirsk convicted Brother Dmitriy Dolzhikov and sentenced him to three years in prison. The judge adjusted the sentence to three years of forced labor. He will not have to go to prison at this time. During the term of this sentence, 10 percent of his salary will be confiscated by the government. He is also not allowed to leave the city limits.

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Dmitriy Dolzhikov

Born: 1978 (Kamyshevka, Rostov Region)

Biography: Worked in manufacturing and construction

Met Jehovah’s Witnesses when his mother began studying the Bible. Attended a Witness convention and was impressed with the warmth and unity he saw. Baptized in 1997

Married Marina in 2008

Personal Comments

How did you prepare yourself to face persecution?

When Brother Dennis Christensen was arrested in 2017 and eventually sentenced to prison, I thought about ways I could strengthen my faith before I faced arrest. I began praying in harmony with the words recorded at Psalm 26:2, where David asked Jehovah to examine him and refine his thoughts and his heart. I began asking Jehovah to help me to identify my personal shortcomings. I reread publications such as the Proclaimers book and Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life. I also memorized Bible verses in which Jehovah promises to help his servants when they are under trial.

What Bible account has helped you to endure?

I have been encouraged by Elijah’s example. When he was running away from wicked Queen Jezebel, he needed Jehovah’s help. In response, Jehovah not only demonstrated his power but also comforted Elijah and reassured him that he was not alone. Knowing that Jehovah is with me and ready to come to my aid helps me to overcome any fear.

We are confident that Jehovah will continue to strengthen Dmitriy and all of us as He takes note of our faith and endurance.—Revelation 2:19.

Time Line

May 13, 2022

Criminal case initiated
September 8, 2022

Apartment searched. Placed in temporary detention
September 9, 2022

Interrogated and transported by plane from Chelyabinsk to a pretrial detention center in Novosibirsk, over 1,500 kilometers (932 mi) away
November 11, 2022

Criminal trial began
November 24, 2022

Released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | Motivated by Examples of Faith

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