EU expressed its deep regret over Russia’s decision to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses
The European Union expressed its regret that the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation confirmed its decision to liquidate all registered organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses, as announced on Tuesday, July 18, by the European Union External Action Service.
“Jehovah's Witnesses, like all other religious organizations, are guaranteed the right to peaceful freedom of assembly by the Russian Constitution, as well as by Russia's international obligations and international human rights standards," the EU’s foreign policy department emphasized.
The day before the announcement, the Supreme Court of Russia upheld its earlier decision to label the organization "The Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses" as extremist and to prohibit its activities. The property of the center will be confiscated in favor of the state. Refusing to comply with the court decision would expose the members of the religious group to criminal liability.