AUGUST 24, 2022 | UPDATED: AUGUST 16, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHERS RELEASED | Focus on Others Helps Brothers Endure Detention

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On August 15, 2023, the Tayga City Court of the Kemerovo Region convicted Brothers Maksim Morozov and Yuriy Usanov and sentenced them each to three years in prison. However, due to the time they spent in pretrial detention, their sentences are considered already served. They were immediately released from custody.

Time Line

April 1, 2021

Criminal case initiated against Yuriy for organizing religious meetings of a banned organization
April 2, 2021

Authorities searched Yuriy’s home for three hours. He was arrested and sent to pretrial detention
August 4, 2021

Criminal case initiated against Maksim
August 6, 2021

Maksim was arrested and detained overnight
August 7, 2021

Maksim was criminally charged and sent to pretrial detention
May 16, 2022

Criminal trial began

Profiles

Maksim Morozov

Born:1983 (Volgograd, Volgograd Region)

Biography: Served as a paratrooper in the army. Later became a truck driver

Started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses after leaving the army. Baptized in 2009

Personal Comments

What is helping you to maintain your joy while being detained?

I have a Bible, which I read every day. I especially appreciate reading the apostle Paul’s letters and the way he described being locked in prison or in chains and stocks. He did not concentrate on his circumstances but focused on his spiritual work.

Also, knowing that I am not alone helps me to stay positive. I have Jehovah, Jesus, a multitude of angels and, of course, our brotherhood. In a Caleb and Sophia video, we saw how the angels reacted when the children made good decisions in school. That reminds me that it is important to view each difficulty as an opportunity to show my loyalty to God. And this enables me to concentrate less on myself and my difficulties and to maintain a broader perspective.

Yuriy Usanov

Born: 1991 (Gorno-Chuisky, Irkutsk Region)

Biography: Worked as an electrician and welder. Learned about Jehovah along with his mother at an early age. Baptized in 2007

Married Irina in 2021

Personal Comments from Yuriy’s Wife, Irina a

How is Yuriy able to encourage you despite his detention?

Thus far, we have not been allowed any in-person visitations or even to talk on the telephone. Writing letters is the only form of communication we have, and even these are often delayed. While it is nothing like communicating in person, we treasure the opportunity to stay in contact.

I miss being able to communicate with him directly and read the Bible together as we used to. But in nearly every one of his letters, Yuriy shares Bible passages that he has personally found encouraging. At times, he will also include spiritual gems that he enjoyed from letters he has received. Through our correspondence, we enjoy a form of family worship. He also never forgets to remind me of Jehovah’s love and the blessings that He has in store for us. And Yuriy assures me of his love and tells me how much he values my efforts. These seem like simple things, but they are a powerful encouragement to me.

We know Jehovah deeply appreciates the selfless spirit these brothers and sisters display. We are confident that Jehovah will continue to bless them now and even more in the future.—Hebrews 11:26.

a During the preparation of this article, Brother Usanov was in pretrial detention. It was not possible to obtain comments from him.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS RELEASED | Focus on Others Helps Brothers Endure Detention

Time Line

Profiles

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