Russia suspended the activities of the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”
MOSCOW, 23 Mar — RIA Novosti. The activities of the parent organization “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in Russia suspended because of extremist activities, according to the Ministry of justice website.
Religious organization “the administrative centre of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia” is now listed in the list of public and religious associations which activity is suspended “in connection with extremist activities”.
The final decision on whether to ban the work of the organization in Russia, the Supreme court will on 5 April.
“Administrative center of Jehovah’s witnesses in Russia” is the umbrella organization that manages the branches of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in Russia. This religious organization regularly has problems with the law in Russia — from judicial rulings on the prohibition of activities and liquidation of branches to penalties for possession of extremist materials.
As stated on the website “Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia”, the relevant documents of the lawsuit by the Ministry of justice religious organization has received.
“If the claim is satisfied, this will entail catastrophic consequences for religious freedom in Russia, it will directly affect about 400 registered local religious organizations of “Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia”, and will apply to all 2277 religious groups all over the country, bringing together 175 of the thousands of followers of this religion,” the statement said.