custody and punishment<\/strong><\/p>\nA court in Russia’s Voronezh region had reportedly sentenced Bozhi to three years in a colony-settlement in February 2025 on charges of hurting religious sentiments and promoting banned material.<\/p>\n
Authorities also ordered psychiatric treatment, which critics say is sometimes used in politically sensitive cases.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Bozhi was transferred to a detention facility and put into isolation again, raising concerns among those close to him about his treatment.<\/p>\n
“He had a strained relationship with the administration,” a source familiar with the situation said. There were also reports of conflicts with fellow prisoners.<\/p>\n
death under dispute<\/p>\n
Christian sources said that Bozi’s father was informed on 17 April that his son had died, but he was informed of the circumstances a few days later, when he was called to collect the body.<\/p>\n
Officials claimed that the activist was found hanging in his cell, indicating suicide. However, relatives have strongly disputed that account.<\/p>\n
Family members said Bozhi had previously gone on hunger strike under pressure and feared for his life, at one point saying authorities wanted to leave him to rot in custody.<\/p>\n
A criminal case has been opened under Article 293 of the Criminal Code of Russia, which concerns negligence.<\/p>\n
Pattern of worker death<\/strong><\/p>\nBozhi is not the only activist to die in Russian custody. He was reportedly the third pacifist prisoner to die within a month, a pattern that has alarmed rights advocates.<\/p>\n
Investigative outlet SOTAvision reported that surveillance cameras near his cell may not have been functioning at the time of his death, although this has not been independently confirmed.<\/p>\n
In his writings and videos, including on the YouTube platform, Bozhi described himself as a Christian activist, pacifist, and preacher advocating peace rather than war.<\/p>\n
In one of his last public protests, he held a sign reading: “Jesus commanded to love enemies, not to murder, for God is love. Murderers do not inherit the kingdom of God.”<\/p>\n
Rights advocates say his death underscores the growing risks facing outspoken activists in Russia, particularly those critical of the war in Ukraine or government policies.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n lift it up in prayer
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People are praying right now.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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![\"Russia](\"https:\/\/worthynews-1fe3e.kxcdn.com\/wordpressimages\/2026\/03\/russia-jail-worthy-christian-news-1-320x180.jpg\" "\\"Christian")
Stephen J. By Bose, Worth News Europe Bureau Chief<\/p>\n