APRIL 13, 2016
RUSSIA
Russian Authorities Intensify Efforts to Liquidate Witnesses’ Legal Entities
In several regions of Russia, authorities continue to target the peaceful worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses as “extremist activity.”
Tyumen, Tyumen Region. The prosecutor’s office framed a Witness who is a member of the Tyumen Local Religious Organization (LRO) for “distributing extremist literature.” After the Witness was convicted, the prosecutor pursued a case to liquidate the LRO. The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation will consider the case on April 14, 2016.
Elista, Republic of Kalmykia. The local police chief ordered a search of the Kingdom Hall in Elista and “discovered” Witness literature that is posted on the Federal List of Extremist Materials. Using the fabricated evidence, the prosecutor of the Republic of Kalmykia filed a claim to liquidate the Witnesses’ legal entity in Elista. The case is pending with the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
Other recent LRO liquidations, including those of Stariy Oskol and Belgorod, are also pending with the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
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