Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Russia: Suspended Prison Term, Fine, Criminal Records for Worship Meeting by Jehovah's Witnesses


Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18 they fear that "their determination to continue religious activity means that they might be subject to more severe punishments as recidivists".

Billboards against Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Forum 18 News
By: Forum 18  | August 19, 2014

Seven Jehovah's Witnesses in Taganrog in southern European Russia will have criminal records unless their appeals against their 30 July convictions for "extremism" are upheld. They may not change their places of work, study or residence without notifying the authorities and must also show that they have "corrected" their behaviour, Forum 18 News Service notes.

Four of the seven were given suspended prison terms of at least five years, while all seven were fined (though these were waived). The defendants - all members of the community declared "extremist" in 2009 - were punished for continuing to meet for prayer and Bible study.

Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18 they fear that "their determination to continue religious activity means that they might be subject to more severe punishments as recidivists". Samara's Jehovah's Witness community has similarly been ruled "extremist" and dissolved.

The criminal trial of two Muslims, Yelena Gerasimova and Tatyana Guzenko, in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk on "extremism"-related charges is expected to begin soon.


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