Following the recent ban on Jehovah's witnesses in Russiaby the government, theU.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)denounces theRussian Supreme Court rulingon Monday rejecting an appeal by theJehovah’s Witnesses against an April decision declaring them asextremist.USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark commented that:

"The Supreme Court’s decision sadly reflects the government’s continued equating of peaceful religious freedom practice to extremism. The Witnesses are not an extremist group, and should be able to practice their faith openly andfreely and without government repression".

This ruling clears the way for theRussian government to seize the Jehovah's Witnesses assets and property throughout the country.The Orthodox churchwhom is known for fuelingJwstrouble times from time in memorial is said to be inPutin'sfavor and they're super glad over the ban.In recent years, theWitnesseshave been subject to government-sanctioned harassment, have had their legal existence banned, and now will lose their physical presence as their meeting halls, known as Kingdom Halls, become the property of a government that violates the rights of religious groups as a matter of law.In an April 20th statement, USCIRF condemned the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to ban the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

USCIRF recommended in 2017 for the first time ever that Russia be designateda “country of particular concern” (or CPC) for systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. Chairman Mark added "This latest move by the Russian government confirms that our 2017 Annual Report recommendation is well-deserved.
The Russian government is intensifying its crackdown on religious freedom at home while also extending its repressive policies to neighboring states.”However the witnesses are taking the case to the European court of Appeal.

cc:
Lala
MOD