Woman of Protestant faith detained in annexed Ukraine over domestic prayer gathering allegations
In a developing story, a Protestant woman in her early fifties has been under arrest since early 2024 in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol, located in south-east Ukraine. The woman was detained in July 2023 for participating in a prayer meeting, and she is now facing trial by the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Regional Court.
The charges against the woman are based on Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to providing false information about the Russian armed forces. However, it is not clear whether she faces additional charges related to this case.
The three churches targeted in this case are the Grace Protestant Church, Melitopol Christian Church, and Word of Life Protestant Church. These religious communities have been accused by the pro-Russian authorities of having links with foreign "special services" and organizing mass disorder and anti-Russian activity.
It is noteworthy that at least three churches have been banned and their properties seized in the Zaporizhzhia region, which is currently under Russian control. The Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has been involved in the case, but it is not clear whether they are responsible for the aim of halting the work of religious sects, which was expressed by the new authorities in the Russian-controlled area of Ukraine in February 2024.
It is important to note that it is not mentioned whether any other arrests have been made in relation to this aim. The name of the woman under arrest is not provided in the available search results, and it is not stated whether she is one of the religious sects targeted.
If convicted, the woman faces up to 10 years in jail. It is unclear whether any churches have been banned or seized as a result of this aim. The Zaporizhzhia Regional Court may conduct a criminal trial for the woman, but the specific details of the proceedings are not yet known.
This story serves as a reminder of the ongoing religious and political tensions in the region, and the potential consequences for those who dissent from the pro-Russian authorities. As more information becomes available, we will continue to monitor this developing story closely.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
