Police across the country recorded 159 hate crimes targeted at Muslims, up from 45 in 2012, representing an increase of 253 per cent. In just one year, between 2014 and 2015, that number increased by 59 per cent: from 99 in 2014 to 159 the following year.
Jehovah Witnesses and Muslims are increasingly targeted in Russia
In present day Russia, acquittal is not a protection against further government hassles and persecution. In fact, lower courts are not disregarding direction from higher courts and reinstating convictions.