USA accuses Russia of oppressing religious minorities
During last year, Russian authorities continued to oppress members of religious minorities and detained them on suspicion of extremism, as stated in the U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report.
Several U.S. citizens were fined and expelled from Russia for their religious activities. In particular, volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) were accused of publicly inciting attacks on representatives of other religions.
In addition, in connection with the adoption of the Yarovaya law, Russian authorities exerted pressure on several Protestant denominations, Krishna worshippers, and the Bishop of the Ukrainian Reformed Orthodox Church.
Russia has "continued to obstruct attempts of religious minority organizations to acquire land and build temples," and sometimes even threatened to seize property or destroy churches. In addition, the police have conducted searches in the houses and temples of the representatives of religious minorities and blocked their websites.
In 2016, media also reported an attack on Jehovah's Witnesses , Pentecostals, Muslims, and Jews.