Print this pageFor Immediate Release
March 30, 2001
(Russian)
Court acknowledges believers’ right to use their building
VLADIKAVKAZ, ALANIA—On March 14, 2001, the Arbitration Court of the Republic of North Ossetia—Alania (RNO-Alania)—satisfied the claim that was submitted by the local religious organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the city of Alagir to the Local Government Administration of the Alagir District. The basis for the appeal was the court’s denial to organize the formal acceptance of the building. In the beginning of July 2000, the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses built the structure for use in worship.
Upholders of religious freedom rejoiced at the court’s decision. A new, modern building in Alagir could finally be used for worship. It was built remarkably quickly — in all of eight days! It is the realization of a unique construction project. The building was possible because of the hard work of many volunteer construction workers from various regions of Russia and the Republic.
On July 1, 2000, one day before the completion of the construction, the Local Government Administration of the Alagir District passed a ruling forbidding the Witnesses use of the building, which was basically completed. It seemed that this ruling was made with the approval of all local civil agencies. The building was blocked by police officers who suppressed any attempts to film or take pictures of the goings-on.
The ombudsman for human rights in Russia regarded the actions of the local Alagir authorities as a gross violation of the rights of believers, inasmuch as the building construction was handled in accordance with all the necessary permits for carrying out construction and installation.
All attempts of the local organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses to resolve the conflict without going to court were in vain. But now, within six months of the completion of the construction project, the building can be used for worship services by the religious residents of Alagir.
According to a report in the January 31, 2001, issue of the Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Jehovah’s Witnesses, who number approximately 280,000 in that part of the world, “place fourth among Russian religions.”
Contact: J. R. Brown (718) 560-5600