Believer Arrested in Moscow
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Shabnam Gaziyeva was arrested near Red Square in Moscow for distributing flyers promoting the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. This is the first known arrest in Russia related to the faith.
By Caroline Hoeren
Moscow, Russia – May 5, 2025
Earlier today, Shabnam Gaziyeva, a woman of Azeri background, was arrested near Red Square in Moscow for distributing flyers promoting the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. This is the first known arrest in Russia related to the faith.
Witnesses report that Gaziyeva was detained at approximately 10:00 a.m. while peacefully handing out flyers and putting up posters. She was taken by police and, as of this report, there has been no contact with her. Her legal status and whereabouts remain unknown.
Sources close to the case reveal that Gaziyeva had been hiding her faith from her husband and brothers, fearing backlash for her religious beliefs. Gaziyeva, who had been hiding her beliefs from her husband and brothers out of fear, is married and a mother of four—two daughters and two sons. Her decision to publicly share information about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light appears to have been a significant personal risk.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a persecuted minority religion that has faced increasing persecution across multiple countries like Algeria, Turkey and Iran due to its progressive beliefs. Followers have been arrested, harassed, and tortured, often accused of blasphemy or spreading “extremist” content despite their peaceful missionary efforts.