Jehovah’s Witnesses to hold annual Memorial observance this week
Jehovah’s Witnesses are out in force inviting all to attend the annual commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ. This year’s event will be observed by congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide on Thursday, April 5, 2012, after sundown.
Jehovah’s Witnesses to launch special global preaching campaign in March
During the campaign, which begins on March 17, the Witnesses will be distributing invitations to their most important annual event, the Memorial of Christ’s death. The Witnesses will also feature the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? in their public ministry throughout the month.
Jehovah’s Witnesses find justice to be a moving target in Ukraine
The case involving the illegal seizure of a portion of property belonging to Jehovah’s Witnesses continues on April 3, 2012.
Also in Ukrainian
Court reverses decision regarding publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses—orders retrial
On February 15, 2012, the Kemerovo Regional Court ordered a retrial in the case in which two brochures published by Jehovah’s Witnesses were pronounced to be “extremist materials.”
Also in Russian
Citizen of Russia criminalized for being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
On February 17, 2012, the Akhtubinsk District Court began hearing a criminal case against Yelena Grigorieva, a 44-year-old mother and grandmother.
Also in Russian
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary granted official religious status
Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world rejoiced with their fellow worshippers in Hungary after they received official recognition as a religious community by the Hungarian Parliament on February 27, 2012.
TAJIKISTAN:
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Tajikistan appeal to the Constitutional Court to protect their religious freedom
Also in Russian
RUSSIA:
Criminal prosecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses reaches another level in Russia
Also in Russian
BELARUS:
Criminal prosecution of conscientious objector continues in Belarus
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.
