MOSCOW COURT RULES
AGAINST JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The Watchtower Society suffered a setback from a June decision by a Moscow court, which came just a month after it was officially recognized as a religious denomination by the Russian government.

Late last year, the Moscow city prosecutor’s office began trying to end the sect’s activity in Russia’s capital city. In March, a judge established a panel to review Watchtower literature for illegal content. The group was the third such body studying the organization’s material. Two earlier panels reported finding no illegal content. Watchtower leaders had sought to have the current review halted. The petition was rejected by the Moscow court.

As the panel continues its review, the Watchtower Society in Moscow will be unable to rent facilities for worship services or renovate any of its property. If the court ultimately rules that the Watchtower is an illegal religious body, it would mean further restrictions, including the holding of any public services and distributing its books and magazines.

The court’s current ruling and any forthcoming decision, affects only Watchtower activity in Moscow. However, observers from other religious groups fear that a final ruling against the Watchtower could affect their missionary efforts as well. It could also prompt other Russian cities to follow the lead of the Moscow court and impose similar restrictions.

—MKG

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