Source: Barnabas Fund, July 8, 2013
A young Christian man who has turned his home in Belarus into a shelter for the homeless is facing up to two years’ imprisonment after being accused of leading an unregistered religious organization.
Aleksei Shchedrov, 28, is being investigated on criminal charges following police raids on the shelter in the village of Aleksandrovka, Grodno Region, in February and April.
The authorities have taken issue with a prayer room, which is used by residents and local villagers, at the site, but Aleksei insists that he is running a charity, not a religious organization.
He said, “I am a Christian and I help those who are in need. I give them food, a bed, a bath, and clothes, and I pray together with them.”
Aleksei set up the shelter in December 2011 and estimates that he has since helped almost 100 people.
He is being investigated under Criminal Code Article 193-1, which punishes “organization of or participation in activity by an unregistered political party, foundation, civil, or religious organization.” Violators face a fine or up to two years’ imprisonment.
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