On November 12, 2014, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has scheduled to resume its hearing of the case to liquidate the local religious organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Samara. The hearing began over a month ago on October 8, with members of the media, observers from foreign embassies, lawyers, and fellow Witnesses flooding the large chamber that the Court kindly provided. After commencing with some procedural matters, the Court adjourned the hearing.

Vasiliy Kalin, a representative of the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia, commented: “We would very much hope that the respected Supreme Court of Russia will restore justice in this case and uphold the constitutional values of democratic society by dismissing the prosecutor’s claim.” Jehovah’s Witnesses remain hopeful that the Court will protect the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Russian Constitution.