The European Union Condemns the Ban on Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia

The European Union condemned the ruling of the Russian Supreme Court that classified Jehovah's Witnesses as an extremist group and banned the activities of its members. According to the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website, Federica Mogherini's office, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated on April 21, "This ruling paves the way for the prosecution of Jehovah's Witnesses solely because of their religious beliefs." Mogherini's office added in a statement: "Jehovah's Witnesses, like any other religious community, must enjoy the right to peaceful assembly for their religious ceremonies without any interference or restrictions, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, its international obligations, and international human rights standards." Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that began its activities in the late 19th century. Members of this sect believe that "hell" and "eternal punishment" do not exist. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse military service and participation in wars. Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were sent to forced labor camps by Nazi German forces during World War II, and hundreds of them died. The number of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide is estimated to be around 8.5 million. Human Rights Watch, headquartered in New York, stated that the Supreme Court's decision on April 20 was "a major blow to religious freedom and assembly in Russia." The Jehovah's Witness organization in Russia, claiming about 170,000 devoted followers and about 395 local branches, announced that it would appeal this decision. The Supreme Court's decision on April 20 was made in response to a request from the Ministry of Justice, marking the first time that the activities of a registered religious organization in Russia have been completely banned by law. This ruling primarily targets the organization’s headquarters in St. Petersburg but will affect its local branches across the country. The Supreme Court also ordered the seizure and confiscation of the organization's properties and assets. Yaroslav Syulsky, a spokesperson for Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, stated: "We will appeal this decision and hope that our rights and legal protections as a peaceful religious group will be fully restored as soon as possible." Jehovah's Witnesses, who have been suspected in Russia due to their views on issues such as military service, voting, central government powers, and authority in general, are one of several religious groups that have faced pressure in recent years. The Russian government has placed several of the group's publications and books on the list of extremist and banned publications, and a lengthy court case regarding the Russian translation of the group's Bible is still ongoing. A law known as the Yarovaya Law, enacted last year, has further restricted the activities of some religious groups, particularly smaller groups like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and other evangelical Christian groups. Russian officials have stated that the aim of this law, supported by the Orthodox Church, is to combat "religious extremism" and "terrorism." However, ambiguities in parts of this law have been criticized as a means to pressure and ban the activities of independent groups, both religious and non-religious. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in early April that the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses reflects the Russian government's tendency to view any independent religious activity as a threat to its control over the country and stability in Russia. This approach harks back to the Soviet era, affecting other peaceful religious groups, including Christians and Muslims. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union 26 years ago, the main religion in Russia has flourished, and the Orthodox Church now has abundant financial resources and numerous followers. According to a law passed in 1997, Orthodox Christianity, along with Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, is considered one of the country's four "historical" religions. Other Christian denominations, such as Catholics, are allowed to operate freely and essentially without restrictions. However, sects with fewer followers have consistently faced hostile treatment from both government and religious institutions. Even before the Yarovaya Law was passed, small religious groups complained that complying with the administrative regulations outlined in the laws enacted in 1997 was very cumbersome and costly. As NPR has previously reported, Jehovah's Witnesses' publications and websites have been repeatedly banned and blocked in Russia, their members have been detained, and the group's properties and assets have been confiscated or seized. The Supreme Court's ruling also means that the assets of this religious group, including its headquarters in St. Petersburg and about 400 local branches, will be confiscated and become state property. According to the state news agency TASS, the group was warned last October about its "extremist activities." TASS adds that the Supreme Court referred to last year's warning in its ruling, stating: "According to Russian law, if violations are not rectified by the specified deadline or if other instances of extremist and radical activities recur, the activities of this religious group will be banned."