The occupying authorities accused the representatives of the religious organization of funding the “extremist community”.
The occupation court of Yalta in Crimea, set up by the Russian occupiers, sentenced four followers of the church of Jehovah’s Witnesses to different terms of imprisonment. They were accused of participating in organizing and financing an “extremist community.” This was reported by the Radio Liberty project called Krym.Realii with reference to the RF Investigative Committee.
“Three organizers were sentenced to different terms of punishment – from 6 years 6 months to 6 years 1 month, which will serve in a penal colony of the general regime. Also, after the specified period, they were sentenced to restriction of freedom for a period of 1 year. The court sentenced the active member of the group to a punishment in the form of a three-year suspended sentence with a similar probationary period. The court’s verdict did not enter into force,” said statement.
The invaders note that five Jehovah’s Witnesses are currently “on the international wanted list.” However, the names and surnames of the convicted and the accused were not indicated. Also, there are no public comments.
It should be noted that the authorities of the Russian Federation have been persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses since the mid-2010s.
In 2017, the Supreme Court banned their activities in Russia and recognized them as extremists.
The decision was actively criticized by human rights groups and the international community, in June it was recognized as inconsistent with the obligations assumed by Moscow by the European Court of Human Rights.
Hundreds of church followers were condemned in Russia, more than a hundred of them were sent to the colonies.
As previously reported, the State Department said the United States would never recognize the annexation of Crimea.
Zelensky appreciates the possibility of the liberation of Crimea
news Correspondent.net on Telegram. Subscribe to our channel Athletistic
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.