Jehovah's Witness Financial Statements: The Rise of Persecution in Russia

The Russian government's crackdown on Jehovah's Witnesses has reached unprecedented levels, with a dramatic increase in house raids, arrests, and convictions over the past year. In January, verdicts are expected to be delivered in several cases, leaving many families anxiously awaiting the outcome.

In 2019, courts convicted 18 people for participating or leading prayer meetings, with nine receiving prison sentences ranging from two to six years. The authorities have carried out at least 780 house raids since 2017, with over half of them occurring in 2019 alone. A staggering two-thirds of those affected found out about their status as suspects or accused in 2019.

The situation has worsened significantly since President Vladimir Putin's statement calling for the crackdown to be 'looked into.' The number of house raids and people under criminal investigation has more than doubled, with 32 Jehovah's Witnesses worshipers currently behind bars for peacefully practicing their faith. A total of 313 people are facing charges, on trial, or have been convicted of 'extremism' for engaging in Jehovah's Witnesses' activities, while others remain suspects.

The persecution is not limited to arrests and convictions; many families are also experiencing harassment and intimidation at the hands of authorities. Nadezhda German, whose husband was imprisoned for his faith, spoke out about their treatment by officials, saying that they were subjected to 'psychological pressure' and forced to sign documents without understanding their contents.

The escalation of persecution against Jehovah's Witnesses is a serious human rights concern, and it is imperative that the Russian government takes immediate action to address these violations. The international community must also hold Russia accountable for its actions and work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all religious groups.

Jehovah witness financial statements