The Tver District Court of Moscow held a pretrial hearing on the Witnesses’ appeal against the Prosecutor General’s warning letter that threatens to liquidate their national headquarters. The court heard opening arguments and adjourned the case until September 23, 2016. At that time, the court will conduct the main hearing. Diplomats from several foreign embassies in Moscow were in attendance.

Other recent government actions also pose a threat to the Witnesses’ religious freedom. New amendments to the Federal Law on Freedom of Conscience and on Religious Associations entered into force on July 20, 2016. Time will tell how Russian authorities apply the new regulations to the religious activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses.