by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – A prominent Christian preacher and activist known for his anti-war views has died in Russian custody, Worthy News learned Monday.
The 43-year-old Khristolyub Bozhiy, known online as “Vegan Christ-Lover of God,” died after being transferred to a pre-trial detention center, according to advocacy group International Christian Concern (ICC), which closely followed the case.
Bozhiy had reported being placed in solitary confinement shortly after his transfer earlier this month. “I was given five days in solitary as soon as I arrived… then another 15, for nothing at all,” he said in remarks cited by supporters.
He had faced prosecution by Russian authorities since late 2023 over online posts linked to his outspoken views on religion—including criticism of Islam—and the war in Ukraine.
DETENTION AND SENTENCING
A court in Russia’s Voronezh region reportedly sentenced Bozhiy in February 2025 to three years in a colony-settlement after he was accused of offending religious feelings and promoting banned content.
Authorities also ordered psychiatric treatment, a move critics say is sometimes used in politically sensitive cases.
Earlier this month, Bozhiy was transferred to a detention facility and again placed in isolation, raising concerns among those close to him about his treatment.
“He had tense relations with the administration,” a source familiar with the situation said, adding there were also reported conflicts with fellow inmates.
DEATH UNDER DISPUTE
Bozhiy’s father was informed on April 17 that his son had died, but was only told the circumstances days later, when he was summoned to collect the body, Christian sources said.
Officials claimed the activist was found hanging in his cell, suggesting suicide. However, relatives have strongly disputed that account.
Family members said Bozhiy had previously gone on a hunger strike under pressure and feared for his life, at one point saying authorities intended to “leave him to rot” in custody.
A criminal case has been opened under Article 293 of Russia’s criminal code, which deals with negligence.
PATTERN OF ACTIVIST DEATHS
Bozhiy is not the only activist to have died in Russian custody. He was reportedly the third pacifist prisoner to die within a month, a pattern that has alarmed rights advocates.
Investigative outlet SOTAvision reported that surveillance cameras near his cell may not have been functioning at the time of his death, though this has not been independently confirmed.
In his writings and videos, including on the YouTube platform, Bozhiy described himself as a Christian activist, pacifist, and preacher advocating peace rather than war.
In one of his final public protests, he held a sign reading: “Jesus commanded to love enemies, not to kill, for God is love. Murderers do not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Rights advocates say his death underscores growing risks faced by outspoken activists in Russia, particularly those critical of the war in Ukraine or government policies.
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