For Immediate Release
October 12, 2000
(Russian)

Russian Supreme Court supports the civil right to hold religious services without obstruction

On 29 September 2000 the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation overruled the decision of the Kislovodsk City Court of Stavropol Region about administrative proceedings against the Director of the Kislovodsk religious organisation of Jehovah's Witnesses. S. I. Ayriyev was prosecuted for organizing a religious assembly in facilities rented by the believers.

On 11 December 1999 Jehovah's Witnesses in the city of Kislovodsk gathered in rented facilities at their religious service for Bible study. At such meetings, which Jehovah's Witnesses call "assemblies," those in attendance listen to talks on Biblical themes, study the Bible and religious literature, sing spiritual songs and pray together. On that day the religious service did not take place because of police prevention.

In connection with the attempts to hold this peaceful religious service on 11 December 1999, a protocol about administrative infringement of the law was filed against S. I. Ayriyev. On the basis of this protocol, the Kislovodsk City Court decreed an administrative prosecution be filed against the organizer of the meeting. According to the Court's opinion, the basis for this was a violation of legislation of the Russian Federation on assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, processions, and picketing.

The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has already made a decision in a similar case regarding religious meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses. The decision of 30 July 1999 states: "Decree for organizing and holding assemblies, in that part which concerns written notification of the authorities, does not apply to assemblies of public associations that are conducted in accordance with the law and their charters. Furthermore, according to the Russian Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations," 'without obstruction' means that no permission or clearing of [the matter] with secular authorities is required for performing religious ceremonies in locations provided [for that purpose]."

Hearing the case of S. I. Ayriyev, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation overruled the decision of the Kislovodsk City Court.

The decision of the Supreme Court points out the fact that "the assembly of the organisation of Jehovah's Witnesses was held in rented facilities." This means that the meeting of believers could not be considered a demonstration, street procession or picketing. Accordingly, it could not affect the rights and legal interests of other people.

By its decision, the Supreme Court confirmed the civil right to hold religious services without obstruction as guaranteed in the Federal Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations."

Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
197739 St. Petersburg, ul.Srednyaya 6
Telephone: (812)434-38-50, Fax: (812)437-09-70