Russian authorities employ covert surveillance methods to initiate criminal case
Using old-style Soviet tactics, Russian special forces entered the home of Maksim Kalinin, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and covertly installed audio and video surveillance equipment.
Also in Russian
European Court again obligates Turkey to protect rights of conscientious objectors
The European Court of Human Rights unanimously concluded that Turkey had violated several articles of the European Convention when it convicted one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Turkey for his conscientious objection to military service.
Also in Turkish
The European Court renders two judgments—further protecting the rights of conscientious objectors
These judgments come on the heels of the Bayatyan v. Armenia judgment announced by the Grand Chamber on July 7, 2011, which concluded, for the first time in the history of the ECHR, that the right to conscientious objection to military service is fully protected under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Also in Armenian
High court in Russia overturns guilty verdict in Kalistratov case
The Supreme Court of the Altay Republic reversed the guilty verdict in a significant criminal case against Aleksandr Kalistratov, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Also in Russian
Turkmenistan’s intolerance of religious freedom met with international criticism
“I am concerned that conscientious objection is a criminal offence and that no alternative civilian service is offered,” declared former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jahangir.
Also in Russian
Russian Witness forced to quit job and unjustly indicted as a target of religious harassment
Yelena Grigorieva is one of many individuals targeted in an official campaign against Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout Russia.
RUSSIA:
Officials in Siberia target married couple with unjust criminal charges
Also in Russian
KYRGYZSTAN:
Kyrgyz officials end criminal case against two of Jehovah’s Witnesses, releasing them from prison
Also in Kyrgyz, Russian
INDIA:
Four of Jehovah’s Witnesses in India arrested for sharing their faith
Legal Victory for Jehovah’s Witnesses in France
A landmark decision by the European Court of Human Rights against France and in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses is now final and enforceable. Two brief video updates provide details on the significance of the Witnesses’ legal victory in France.
News Release: Witnesses’ Legal Victory in France Now Final and Enforceable
Also in Russian
European Court of Human Rights judgment: Case of Association Les Témoins de Jéhovah v. France (PDF)
Also in French (PDF)
VIDEO: Commentary by Bruno Faure, a representative of Jehovah’s Witnesses in France (in French with English subtitles).
VIDEO: Commentary by Philip Brumley, general counsel for Jehovah’s Witnesses (in English with French subtitles).
The Case of Bayatyan v. Armenia
Meet Vahan Bayatyan. What brought this otherwise ordinary young Armenian into such an extraordinary legal spotlight? This video provides illuminating details on this historic case.
News Release: Jehovah’s Witnesses Win Historic Victory in the Case of Bayatyan v. Armenia
Also in Armenian, Russian
Watch an interview with André Carbonneau, one of the attorneys in the case of Bayatyan v. Armenia, as he provides additional details on the case.
Image: Council of Europe Credits
Russia’s Illegal Ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow
Russia’s defiance of a landmark judgment by the European Court of Human Rights is fueling an ongoing human rights crisis.
Watch this brief video on Russia's response to the Court's landmark decision and where the situation now stands.
Length: 3:00 minutes
Interactive Map
Harassment and Mistreatment of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
The Russian Federation Supreme Court ruled against religious freedom on December 8, 2009, when it pronounced 34 pieces of religious literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses to be “extremist.” Since that date, Jehovah’s Witnesses and human rights advocates have noted a sharp increase in acts of religious intolerance at the hands of officials throughout Russia. These incidents of abuse are presented in this interactive map and can also be viewed as a chronological listing.