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Local Jehovah's Witnesses Defend Brothers, Sisters In Russia
CapeNews.net - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ “It is my understanding that the laws of the Russian government guarantee freedom of religion to all citizens. Jehovah's Witnesses strive to be good citizens,” Mariah's letter states. It continues and asks that the official consider God's word before ...   Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia v. in the US
Religion News Service - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ The Jehovah's Witnesses have been on trial in St. Petersburg this week for violating a Russian law against extremism. The alleged extremism includes refusing blood transfusions, publishing pamphlets critical Russian Orthodox Church, and undermining ...   Russia Supreme Court considers ban on Jehovah's Witnesses
Fox News - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ MOSCOW – State news agency RIA Novosti says Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the city court in Birobidzhan to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses, a decision that comes amid proceedings on a Justice Ministry suit to ban the religious ...   Russia: Jehovah's Witnesses Break Law by Refusing Blood Transfusions
Newsweek - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ Jehovah's Witnesses break the law forbidding “extremism” when its members refuse blood transfusions, Russia's Justice Ministry said Thursday at a Supreme Court hearing on the question of banning the religious group in the country. The ministry added ...   Russia Moves To Label Jehovah's Witnesses As 'Extremists'
Huffington Post - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ The Justice Ministry in Moscow has been investigating the Jehovah's Witnesses' Russian headquarters near St. Petersburg over the last year and claimed it discovered violations of a Russian law banning extremism. The ministry accused the organization of ...   Russian Supreme Court Considers Outlawing Jehovah's Witness Worship
TIME - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ The Russian Supreme Court could declare the Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization in a Wednesday hearing, a move that would lead to the seizure of the church's headquarters near St. Petersburg and the outlawing of the group's organized ...   Russia Moves to Ban Jehovah's Witnesses as 'Extremist'
New York Times - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ The Justice Ministry, in a preliminary adminstrative strike last month, put the headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, an office complex near St. Petersburg, on a list of the bodies banned “in connection with the carrying out of extremist ...   Russian court mulls Jehovah's Witnesses ban
Fox News - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ Russia's Supreme Court began a hearing Wednesday to potentially ban the Jehovah's Witnesses and declare the group an extremist organization in the country. The Russian government filed a lawsuit on March 16 to outlaw the Christian-based movement.   Proceedings on Ban on Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia Enters Day 3
World Religion News - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ Crowd forms outside of Russian Supreme Court in Moscow. The court is considering a claim from the Ministry of Justice to liquidate the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. Courtesy of Jehovah's Witnesses.   Russia's Supreme Court to consider Jehovah's Witnesses ban
Atlanta Journal Constitution - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ According to a New York Times report, the religious group is viewed by the Russian government as deviating too far from traditional norms that President Vladimir Putin has promoted. Jehovah's Witnesses do not vote or otherwise participate in politics ...   Russia court considers Jehovah's Witnesses ban
BBC News - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ Russia's Supreme Court has begun hearing a government request to outlaw the Jehovah's Witnesses and declare it an extremist organisation. The justice ministry has already placed its headquarters near St Petersburg on a list of extremist groups.   Russia Continues Proceedings on Jehovah's Witnesses in Supreme Court Thursday
World Religion News - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ Latest decision on Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is yet another blow to the religious organization. Russia's news agency is reporting the city court of Birobidzhan's decision to ban Jehovah's Witnesses will be upheld. A Justice Ministry suit is working ...   Spokane-area Jehovah's Witnesses wait anxiously for Russian court ruling
The Spokesman-Review - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ Russia's Justice Ministry filed a case with the Supreme Court to declare the administrative center for Russia's Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization on March 15. The court reviewed the case for about seven hours Wednesday before announcing a ...   US: Russia's Ban of Jehovah's Witnesses as 'Extremist' Shows that Moscow Views All Independent Religions as a Threat
Newsweek - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ The Russian justice ministry's call for the country's Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters to be shut down represents an attempt to “eliminate the legal existence” of the religion, said the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).   Russian Government Seeks to Ban Jehovah's Witnesses
Voice of America - ‎Apr 3, 2017‎ Several U.S. legislators have criticized the Russian government for plans to effectively ban the Jehovah's Witnesses, a nontraditional Christian movement, as an "extremist" organization. On March 15, Russia's Justice Ministry filed a claim with the ...   Russia launches court bid to ban Jehovah's Witnesses over 'extremism'
Evening Standard - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ Russia's government has launched a Supreme Court bid to outlaw Jehovah's Witnesses and have the movement declared an extremist organisation. The Christian-based faith group's headquarters, near St Petersburg, has already been added to a list of ...   Jehovah's Witnesses Face Russian Ban
Transitions Online - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ Jehovah's Witnesses are breaking the law against extremism when they refuse blood transfusions, a Russian Justice Ministry official said yesterday as the Supreme Court heard arguments that could see the religious group banned. The court began hearings ...   Russia top court hears bid to outlaw Jehovah's Witnesses
JURIST - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ [JURIST] The Russian Supreme Court [official website, in Russian] began hearings on Wednesday on a request [RAPSI report] to outlaw the Jehovah's Witnesses religious group. The Russian Ministry of Justice [official website, in Russian] has named the ...   RUSSIA: Russia Suspends Jehovah's Witnesses
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (press release) - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ Washington, D.C. – Russia's Justice Ministry suspended the Jehovah's Witnesses on March 24, alleging that its activities “violate Russia's laws on combating extremism.” The Russian authorities have used their extremism law to systematically harass the ...   Jehovah Witnesses here worried over Russian court ruling
Barbados Today - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ Members of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith here have expressed concern about the plight of fellow Witnesses in Russia, which is seeking to ban the religious organization altogether. Russia's Supreme Court Thursday upheld the decision of a Russian city to ...   Russian court considers ban on Jehovah's Witnesses
SBS - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ Russia's Supreme Court has rejected a counter claim filed by Jehovah's Witnesses who are challenging a Justice Ministry order to cease operating in the country. The religious organisation had asked the court to declare the government's actions unlawful ...   Russia's high court considers banning Jehovah's Witnesses
UPI.com - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ April 5 (UPI) -- Russia's Supreme Court on Wednesday considered a request by the government to ban Jehovah's Witnesses and declare the Christian group an extremist organization. On March 16, the Russian government filed suit to outlaw the organization ...   Russia may ban Jehovah's Witnesses
Catholic Culture - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ “The Russian government is claiming that the Jehovah's Witnesses are an extremist group, but in fact it's their move to ban them outright that appears to be extreme,” said Maina Kiai, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of ...   Russia Jehovah's Witnesses Could Be Labeled Extremist, Worship Banned
Newsmax - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ Russia's Supreme Court may declare Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization at a hearing Wednesday, which means the Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters would be seized and their organized worship banned in the country. "If the Supreme Court ...   UN experts voice concern over possible ban on Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
TASS - ‎Apr 4, 2017‎ GENEVA, April 4. /TASS/. A total of three rapporteurs of the UN on human rights have said the moves taken by the Russian authorities to declare the Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia an extremist organization are "extremely worrying ...   RUSSIA: Police harassment as Supreme Court considers ban
Forum 18 - ‎Apr 7, 2017‎ Russia's Supreme Court is due to resume considering a total ban on Jehovah's Witness activity on 12 April. Already police in several towns have disrupted their worship. A Moscow community's rental of a hall to mark their main annual commemoration was ...   High-Profile Case Against Jehovah's Witnesses Started Today in Russia's Supreme Court
World Religion News - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ On March 24, 2017, Russia's Ministry of Justice suspended Jehovah's Witnesses with the allegation that their religious activities are in violation of Russian law and fighting extremism. The Russian government, under the authority of their extremism law ...   Russian court turns down Jehovah's Witnesses' bid for 'victim of repression' status
TASS - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ Earlier in the day, the Russian Supreme Court began hearings on the Justice Ministry's appeal to ban the activities of the Jehovah's Witnesses Managerial Center in Russia as extremist. Jehovah's Witnesses filed a counterclaim demanding to recognize the ...   Russia Moves To Ban Jehovah's Witnesses
360Nobs.com - ‎Apr 6, 2017‎ The Supreme Court in Russia has begun hearing a government request to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses and declare it an extremist organisation. BBC reports that the justice ministry has already placed its headquarters near St Petersburg on a list of ...   Russia's Supreme Court Begins High-Profile Case Against Jehovah's Witnesses
PR Newswire (press release) - ‎Apr 5, 2017‎ NEW YORK, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation began consideration of a claim from the Ministry of Justice to liquidate the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. The Court announced a ...  

91,2 FM Moscow regions NewsBlogsTopsPollsRatingsDoc  Now PlayingOne -All 
air QQAAV/0Y Moscow Echo 
your phone iPhone-App Mobile version of the site   Prohibit Do "Jehovah's Witnesses"?
ONLINE: J 32718 people voted. Back to voting 123 YES  15% 4804 people. NO  83% of 27017 people. Difficult to answer  3% 897 people.   INTERESTING POLL IN RUSSIA - APPARENTLY VAST MAJORITY OF RUSSIAN PEOPLE BELIEVE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES SHOULD NOT BE BANNED !!!                                                

Russian Government Seeks To Ban Jehovah’s Witnesses – Experts Call Government Action Absurd
Posted on April 8, 2017 by Staff Writer in Europe, Human Rights, International News, Spotlight // 1 Comment
Russian Government Claims JW.ORG Publication Promote Hate & Violence
The Russian Government has decided to take on the God Jehovah and has launched a bid to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.
The Government has been engaged in a three-day legal battle with the Russian branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses claiming that the group engages and promote extremist activities in the country.
Russia’s Ministry of Justice says it is seeking “to declare the religious organization, the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses, extremist, ban its activity, and liquidate it.”
Russian Government Claims JW.ORG Publication Promote Hate & Violence
Mark Sanderson, who is a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses and present at the hearing, stated: “It is disconcerting that the Supreme Court dismissed or denied most motions filed by the Administrative Center.”
“Representatives of many embassies and human rights organizations were present for this hearing. The world is watching.”
Many have condemned the Russian Government’s moves to ban the organisation. Heiner Bielefeldt, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, said: “If Jehovah’s Witnesses are extremist, I think we all are.”
View image on Twitter Sociologist and Former Representative of the OSCE on Combating Racism, Xenophobia, Discrimination Dr. Massimo Introvigne commented: “The only relationship between Jehovah’s Witnesses and violence is that they have been victims of violence.”
Rachel Denber Deputy Director of European Human Rights Watch has said that there is no legitimate grounds to say that the literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses is extremism, she also stated that it is absurd to say the organistation is spreading hate or encouraging violence.
In response to the threat of the ban and legal action over 8,000,000 Witnesses worldwide participated in a letter writing campaign appealing directly to the Kremlin and Supreme Court officials for relief.
“The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses wants to heighten attention to this critical situation,” states David A. Semonian, a spokesman at the Witnesses’ world headquarters. “Prosecuting non-violent, law-abiding citizens as if they were terrorists is clearly a misapplication of anti-extremist laws. Such prosecution is based on completely false grounds.”
There are more than 170,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia and have over 2,300 congregations.

ALL OF US SHOULD PRAYERFULLY CONTEMPLATE WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE SUCH AS WITH OUR BROTHERS IN RUSSIA. THE FACT IS JEHOVAH IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF MATTERS AND NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IT WILL BE "IN STYLE" TO HIS GLORY. HERE IS THE TALK BY BR. JACKSON OF THE GOVERNING BODY THAT IS MOST FITTING AT THIS TIME TO REVIEW:
   Expect the Unexpected Bro. Jeffrey Jackson, 2016 Annual Meeting
   I'm sure everyone of us here today will agree that this year's regional convention program was absolutely fantastic! And probably one of the most common comments that have been made is that many brothers and sisters have said this convention has truly prepared us for the great tribulation and we certainly feel that way.
   But as our minds think about the great tribulation and the importance of Jesus words, it's true at times that our imagination perhaps become very active, we have maybe have questions: how long will be the great tribulation? How will it affect me personally? Will I be able to get my medication? What about my cat? Well the short answer to all those intriguing questions is: we don't know. But there is something that we do know beyond any doubt whatsoever, let's turn to the book of 2 Peter 2:9 and this fact fills us with confidence as we look to the future to the outbreak of the great tribulation. So 2 Peter 2:9, there it tells us: So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial...
   Yes, brothers and sisters, we know Jehovah! We know his record! We've studied the scriptures! And we totally believe that no matter what happens, even though we don't know the details of what the future holds, we believe that Jehovah knows how to rescue righteous persons. And we've seen time and time again how Jehovah does the unexpected. When we look through the scriptures, that point is emphasized over and over again. There are two scriptures that help to fortify this faith and belief that we have. Let's look at them together. The first one is found in the book of Eph 3:20. Here the apostle Paul under inspiration tells us: "Now to the one who can, according to his power that is operating in us, do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive."
   Now this is a fantastic expression! In the writing department if we were to write this, I'm sure the proofreaders would correct it, but this is under inspiration. First start let's think of the word "superabundantly." The proofreaders may tell us for a start, abundant is enough but here we have superabundantly and it doesn't stop there does it? Because Paul then says under inspiration more than superabundantly. And it's gets even better: beyond all the things we ask or conceive! This is certainly making a point, isn't it? What is the point? That Jehovah can do things beyond what we would expect! It's so interesting for us to note that Jehovah does not limit himself to what we ask for in our prayers! And we could be happy of that because he goes beyond anything that we could ever think of to solve our problems. So it's true at times we may see no way out of our problems, we may feel overwhelmed, but remember what does it say here? Jehovah has the power to do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.
    Now the second scripture is in the book of Philippians 4:6. Here again we are told: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that (now notice again) surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." 2
   Have you noticed in several of the talks today, the point is being made over and over again that this precious possession that we have is our relationship with Jehovah. We need to trust him. Now when the peace of God comes to us because of praying to Jehovah and trusting him, what does it say here? Then that surpasses all understanding. Other translations put it this way: surpasses all our dreams, excels all human planning, is more wonderful than we could imagine. Truly, brothers and sisters, we don't need to know all the details of what the future holds. We know that our loving God Jehovah will do things in a wonderful way. Yes, he does the unexpected and he does it with style! That's the amazing thing! As we read through the scriptures we see his over and over again.
   Let's think about Haman back in the days of Esther and Mordecai. Haman had a lot of money, a lot of influence and a plan. He wanted to commit genocide to destroy all of God's people and it looked like the plan was going to succeed, but Haman didn't know what Jehovah had in mind. Esther, Mordecai were in place and how things turned out. The very day that the Jews should have been slaughtered and completely eradicated was the day that their enemies were killed instead. But as we read through those events, Jehovah did so many unexpected things. Personally I just love chapter 6. Right in the middle of this intrigue, where we see what Jehovah is preparing, then there is an account about the King not being able to sleep. Isn't it wonderful, you see Haman comes in at the wrong time for Ha'man he assumes wrongly that the King is going to bless him and what's the result? He has to be humiliated, walking around in front of Mordecai on a horse wearing the Kings clothes. That's style. Jehovah didn't have to do that, but when we look back on it, that really is style isn't it? And we can be sure that Jehovah will continue to do these things for his people.
   Recently of course we just watched that beautiful presentation with regard to Hezekiah. Didn't that full length movie help us to imagine exactly what happened at that time. But in the case of Hezekiah, what did he do in the time leading up to that event? Well he fortified the city, he stopped up the wells so the Assyrians wouldn't be able to get water, he did all sorts of things to plan and yet, none of that was needed. Why he didn't realize what Jehovah was going to do, the unexpected! We didn't even expect it when we saw that angel in the movie, did we? What a wonderful presentation it was, but you see Jehovah again did the unexpected. None of his people were thinking that Jehovah would do that and yet he had the situation under control.
   And of course time and time again as we look through the scriptures, we see this empathized. Moses and the Israelites. If we were standing with them there on the shores of the Dead Sea with the Egyptians coming behind us, who of us would have ever guessed that Jehovah is now going to part the Red Sea? I mean that was unexpected! It was also unexpected that the Egyptians would be so stupid to follow the Israelites! And yet it resulted in a wonderful victory for Jehovah's people. You see, expect the unexpected when it comes to what Jehovah does.
   Now thinking back to what the apostle Paul was inspired to say to the brothers in Philippi, let's think about the setting of when he wrote that and a little bit of the background. The apostle Paul said basically 'Don't worry, pray' because Jehovah can do the unexpected. Well was Paul perhaps writing at that particular time as an academic sitting behind a desk, someone who is testing out something he doesn't really know about? Of course not, we remember back at that time in 60 to 61 c.e. the apostle Paul was in prison in Rome. He'd already experienced many, many different hardships. He knew what it was like to be in a time of trial, but even the very fact that he was writing to the brothers in Philippi is of 3 interest. Let's just refresh our memories about this, you see the record in Acts 16, but what actually happened ten years before Paul wrote the letter to the brothers in Philippi? Well Paul was in Asia Minor he was going, trying to find somewhere where the Holy Spirit would allow him to preach. So he went to one location, no, went to another location, no, eventually he arrives at Troas and there one evening he sees a Macedonian man. And what does he say? "Step over to Macedonia." Well Paul naturally assumed this was Jehovah's direction and immediately he made plans to step over into Macedonia and this actually started the preaching work in Europe. Well he arrived first at the seaport of Neapolis and then made his way to Philippi. Well immediately there was some success. Some started to accept the message, but what happened shortly thereafter? Well as we already mentioned today, the account tells us that Paul and Silas were beaten up and thrown into a dungeon, into a prison.
   Now if you were Paul and you were sitting there in prison with your back paining, singing songs to bring yourself comfort, perhaps would you think this: 'What is Jehovah doing? I mean I was in Asia Minor, I could have preached anywhere in Asia Minor, but no, the vision said step over into Macedonia, now I'm assuming there's a big door of activity opening, but now here I am in prison. Why did Jehovah direct me to come here?' Honestly, I think most of us would probably start thinking along that line and perhaps be discouraged. Perhaps at times you felt you followed Jehovah's direction and then you've had problems, so we're use to understanding that situation, but what happened that very night? An earthquake! The doors of the prison open up, the jailer and his family accept the truth and then this is where it proves again Jehovah has style! Those magistrates apologize to Paul, Paul says 'no you take us out and you escort us out of the city!' Now that's style! And as we read, what do we notice? I imagine this in my mind it says Paul said goodbye to Lydia and I imagine, maybe I'm wrong, but I'm imagining the magistrates standing outside Lydia's home waiting for Paul to say goodbye and then continue to escort them out of the city. Now not only is that style, but it was practical because it appears that perhaps Luke the doctor was left to stay there in Philippi and establish the congregation and no doubt those magistrates would have thought twice before they did anything bad to the Christians after that.
   But what's the point? At times we may feel that there's no way out of our problems, but surely the lesson that we learn over and over and over again is that Jehovah can turns things completely around. Yes even though we might speculate and think, what if maybe he'll do this, in the end when we look back on events, we can't help but be impressed with how Jehovah handles things. He has everything under control.
   So that brings us back to the Regional Convention, the Sunday program. We all enjoyed that symposium of talks with the little videos dealing with the great tribulation. Maybe for most of us it took us awhile to work out what they were doing in the basement. Usually by the time there was a knock then we started to realize that it was at the time of the great tribulation. And with excitement we watched as that door opened and there the police, the military were facing our brothers and sisters and you were waiting, will the angel come and take them out? Will fire come from heaven? And we were left hanging, why? The simple answer, we don't know, but one thing is for sure, if Jehovah is on our side, we do not need to fear men. Yes it's true, we don't know all the details of the great tribulation. We don't know exactly what's going to happen in the future, but we do know that our loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God has everything under control! Yes he has style so we can expect the unexpected!
 

THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY WHEN WE SEE NEWS REPORTS THAT MAY DISTURB US AT THIS TIME ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. PLEASE SEE THE HEADING "EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED" FOR COMFORT FROM THE SCRIPTURES. THANK YOU.

FROM TASS:
Jehovah's Witnesses' claim of exceptionalism alleged to threaten public order
AFTER BAN OF THE ORGANIZATION JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES MAY BE BROUGHT TO TRIAL FOR EXTREMISM
Ministry declares that they posses instances of distribution of literature containing assertions posing a threat to public order
TASS, 6 April 2017
 
Jehovah's Witnesses violate the law "On combating extremism," by promoting the idea of their own exceptional nature and superiority over other religions, and they may be prosecuted on the basis of the criminal article regarding extremism in the event of the ban of the organization.
 
This was declared by a lawyer of the Russian Ministry of justice in a session of the Russian Supreme Court. "We have incidents of the distribution of literature containing assertions about the exceptional nature of Jehovah's Witnesses, which poses a threat to public order," a lawyer of the justice ministry reported in court.
 
The court posed for the justice ministry's lawyer a number of questions, including about the prospects of criminal prosecution of members of the Jehovah's Witnesses in the event of the liquidation of the organization. "We suggest that a ban on the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses does not violate the rights of citizens, but in the event of the adoption of such a decision, law enforcement agencies will be able to initiate cases on the basis of article 282.2 ("Arranging the activity of an extremist organization") of the Criminal Code of the Russian federation, the justice ministry's lawyer said.
 
Ministry of Justice's lawsuit
 
In its lawsuit, the Ministry of Justice indicates the discovery during an unscheduled inspection of various violations during the conduct of the activity of the organization, including of the federal law "On combating extremist activity." The ministry asks for finding the organization and 395 of its divisions to be extremist, to ban its activity, and to confiscate property.
 
In its turn, the press service of the organization described for TASS how "they regard this fact as extremely alarming," inasmuch as the decision may affect "175 thousand actively practicing believers." A representative of the press service, Ivan Bilenko, also noted that the organization is prepared to defend its rights in all judicial instances.
 
On 12 October 2016, the Tver court of Moscow issued a warning to the Jehovah's Witnesses about extremist activity. According to Russian legislation, if in the period of time established by the warning to religious associations the violations being committed are not removed or new incidents appear testifying to the presence of indicators of extremism, then the organization is liable for liquidation. On 16 January 2017, the Moscow city court ruled the warning to the organization about extremist activity to be legal.
 
Jehovah's Witnesses are an international religious organization that holds to unorthodox currents in Christianity and is distinguished by peculiar interpretations of many religious concepts. (tr. by PDS, posted 8 April 2017)

there are some announcements about russia on the official jworg page.
answering the 1st question, I can say, if there is need for something... perhaps it will be done sooner or later... 
I want to remind you, that the first months of the jw-broadcasting, IT WAS ONLY IN ENGLISH, ... many many brothers and sisters from different countries wanted to have the program translated in their language but they could not. 
 some brothers had seen already that need for their own county, while others were saying "the broadcasting program will never be in subtitles" .......... so what to do ?.... 
it is only after some brothers and sisters (gave much of their time and) made videos WITH SUBTITLES for their own country, and after that .... videos in other languages started appeared on the jw-broadcasting ..... 

please everyone, feel free to share news from your country. 
with the internet, all news travel faster, and am happy to see news from all over the world.
thank you all for your comments and posts, and this forum too.
[greetings] 

@Eoin Joyce I would personally prefer @bruceq 's work on the transcript because we can discuss and ask questions on the content rather than just read it.
https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/tags/russian supreme court transcript/
Enjoy!
Nice work @bruceq by the way....

Report: Supreme Court to hear the case to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses religion
April 5, 2017 began hearings on the suit on the Elimination of Jehovah's Witnesses before the Supreme Court of Russia. It conducted a text report from the courtroom.
5th of April April 6 April 7 5th of April 10:58 Big beautiful courtroom crowded. There are more than 200 people, including many journalists, representatives of public organizations and foreign embassies. The hearing began at 10:30.
A little less than 250 people were left on the street waiting for the results of the hearing. Cook Street in Moscow is filled with cars with transmitting television antennas. Occurring remove numerous chamber. Of police radios periodically hear the message "All is calm, without incident." In the hall representatives of embassies and international organizations in the headphones listening to the process of translation.
The case was heard Judge Yuri Ivanenko. The defendant, "the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia" are 6 persons, including Vasily Kalin of the Steering Committee, as well as lawyers. The representative of Ministry of Justice of Russia - Svetlana Borisova. Attached to the case with the defendant's objections to the applications in 35 volumes.
The court allowed the photographing and video recording only when the announcement of the final act. However, there is no record of obstacles. In the hall there are about 40 members of the media, they occupy the first rows of the audience.

11:00 The court refused to accept a counter claim for recognition of the Ministry of Justice acts of political repression. The judge described the passage of objections to the claim sufficient measure of protection for the defendant. 11:15 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses apply for admission to participation in the case of representatives of all 395 local religious organizations. Lawyer little wife: "If believers throughout Russia will be deprived of their rights, let them hear it here in court." Local religious organizations, contrary to the logic of the Ministry of Justice, are not the structural units of each other, but separate legal entities. 11:20 The lawyer Lew gives an example: "The logic of the Ministry of Justice, it turns out, it is necessary to impose a sentence: Shoot chieftain. And his whole platoon. " 11:25 The court rejected the enlistment of the 395 local organizations as a respondent. 11:30 Jehovah's Witnesses have asked the court to allow audio broadcasting the trial. The court refused. 11:35 Lawyers for the Jehovah's Witnesses are asking the court to adjourn the hearing pending the outcome of another case in another court. It is an appeal to the Court of Justice order the suspension of the activities of organizations . 11:42 The Ministry of Justice objected, because it believes that the authorities had every right to suspend the activities of organizations. 11:45 The court refused to postpone the hearing. 11:50 Omelchenko lawyer seeks the abandonment of the claim without consideration of the Ministry of Justice. The plaintiff is not complied with the pre-trial procedure for settling claims to the 395 communities of Jehovah's Witnesses. Before you make a claim for the liquidation of 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, the authorities, by law, had to make an official warning each of them and to give time to correct them. 11:55 The second reason for the abandonment without consideration of this claim lies in the fact that the Russian courts have treated similar cases of liquidation and recognition of the "extremist" 2 out of 395 local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations (Karachay-Cherkessia and the Samara region). 12:05 The Court dismissed the petition on the abandonment without consideration. 12:10 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses are asked to postpone the hearing for one week due to the fact that the Ministry of Justice sent a statement of claim to the defendant in time. It came in the mail only to March 28, 2017. In addition, the Ministry of Justice to provide the defendant not all documents specified in the annexes to the statement of claim. 12:17 The Ministry of Justice does not object to the adjournment of the case. 12:19 The court refused to postpone the case. 12:20 Lawyer little wife seeks the suspension of the case due to the fact that in a number of Russian vessels submitted applications for consideration in force decisions of the courts on newly discovered evidence. We are talking about the revision in force of affairs on the Elimination of 8 local religious organizations (MPO) and the introduction of 88 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses in FSEM. The fact that all those court decisions were made without the involvement of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, since the Ministry of Justice insisted that the court decisions in relation to the LRO not affect the rights of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. In the present case the Ministry of Justice changed position and now all accusations against MPO, imputed to the Administrative Center. 12:30 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension, considering that, in cases involving MPO attended the same lawyers as in the case of liquidation of the MPO. 12:33 The court retired to the deliberation room. 13:50 The Court went out of the deliberation room. The suspension of the case was denied. 13:55 Little wife's lawyer said the petition to bring to participate in the case of experts, namely the religious scholars and linguists. Specialists may clarify whether are really extremist and dangerous texts that form the basis of the requirements of the Ministry of Justice to ban an entire religion in Russia. 14:00 Asked by the judge whether to propose lawyers to arrange a "revision" of court decisions, which was included in the literature FSEM lawyers explained that this information will be important to determine the proportionality of the Ministry of Justice requirements. 14:04 The representative of the Ministry of Justice objected to the admission of experts for the hearing. 14:05 The court refused to attract specialists to the hearing. 14:06 The lawyer asks little wife get to take part in the 9 foreign legal persons representing the religious communities of Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe and America. The reason is that the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit asks the court to confiscate properties belonging to these organizations. 14:14 The court refused to attract foreign companies to participate in the case. 14:15 Omelchenko said the lawyer about bringing a motion to participate in the proceedings as interested parties of eight Russian citizens who were rehabilitated as victims of political repression. These people present in the room. Lawyers argue convincingly that these people rehabilitated from the turn in the case of satisfaction of the claim to the "extremists". 14:20 The Ministry of Justice said that the court decides on the liquidation of legal entities, it does not apply to individuals. In his reply the lawyer reminded the little wife that such considerations were guided by Soviet authorities, banning the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, however, repression of painful blow it for the people, so that they have been rehabilitated. 14:25 Court denies the petition. 14:30 Lawyers apply for the interrogation of individual citizens, followers of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses who can testify about what measures have been taken by Jehovah's Witnesses in order to prevent extremist activity. 14:35 The Ministry of Justice does not object. The court granted. 14:40 Lawyers say the request for interrogation as witnesses of persons recognized as victims of political repression. The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses. 14:43 Representative of Jehovah's Witnesses Nowak said petition for interrogation as witnesses of persons who witnessed falsification of evidence against those who believe in things that the Ministry of Justice uses in his lawsuit as "further evidence of the offense." 14:45 On the judge's objection that it comes to an effective decision, Novak says that in the present case can not be used prejudicial approach, because it is a different legal entity. The court must examine the evidence directly. Novakov tells the court about the circumstances and tossed perjuredly indications in a number of Russian cities. 15:00 The Ministry of Justice objected, arguing that the questioning, they believe authorities, aims to "to review the decision to enter into force." The court refused to question witnesses of falsification of evidence against local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations. 15:05 Omelchenko lawyer intercedes for the recovery of craft books that were considered "extremist" and which formed the basis of this lawsuit to ban Jehovah's Witnesses religion. Counsel emphasizes that it is necessary to study the question of whether these statements are dangerous enough that on this basis significantly restrict the right of 300 thousand Russian citizens. He draws attention to the legal requirement that the restrictions must be justified and proportionate to the constitutionally significant goals. 15:15 Omelchenko provides examples of statements in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, because of which these publications were recognized as extremist. 15:16 Omelchenko says that the court must examine whether such dangerous statements in the literature indicated that they would justify the restriction of the rights of hundreds of thousands of citizens. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses to vindication of literature deemed extremist. 15:21 The right to submit petitions transferred to the administrative claimant. The representative of the Ministry of Justice requests that the matter several judicial acts that were not attached to the claim. Office without having them on hand, was quick to refer to them in his lawsuit. And only now, having received them, asking them to attach to the case. 15:25 The defendant objected. The Court deliberated on the site satisfies the request of the Justice Ministry. 15:28 The court adjourned until April 6, 2017 14:00.

April 6 12:00 Weather in Moscow is warm and sunny. Near the entrance to the court formed a large human place. Working television journalists. Among those present a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. A marked increase in security measures. Directly at the entrance there is a bus with the police. At the input it is carried out a thorough inspection. Inside the building are not skipped any liquids. The employees of the Supreme Court, organizing hearings, doing their job professionally and smoothly. Despite the large number of students, there are no failures.

14:30 The hearing began with the defendants' application to suspend the hearing due to the fact that the private complaint filed yesterday's failure of the court to satisfy the majority of the 17 petitions declared. The hearing shall be suspended pending the outcome of these complaints. 14:33 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension of the proceedings. Court retire to the deliberation room. 14:37 Court rejects petition to suspend the hearing.
Omelchenko lawyer seeks to adduce material, which may indicate the political persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses. We are talking about the documents of foreign organizations such as the UN, OSCE, official statements about human rights organizations, as well as archival documents.
14:40 The court decided to grant the application for the admission of these materials.
Court reports are the case and gave the floor to the Ministry of Justice.
14:45 The representative of the Ministry of Justice Borisov proceeds to the presentation of the arguments justifying the prohibition of all the organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. It lists the court judgments delivered against local religious organizations (LRO) of Jehovah's Witnesses. 15:12 Concluding his speech, the representative of the Ministry of Justice asked the court to liquidate all Jehovah's Witnesses, to remove them from the register of legal entities and ban their activities. Asks confiscate the property and pay the court's decision to immediate execution (that is, not to wait for the decision enters into force).
The judge sets the representative of the Ministry of Justice a counter-question: why is the Ministry of Justice asked both to eliminate legal person and to ban their activity. Judge perplexed: how can you prohibit something that does not exist. He specifies whether you want to prohibit the Ministry of Justice and all unregistered groups? The representative of the Ministry of Justice explained that the ban does not ask them, because Jehovah's Witnesses have not provided the agency information on unregistered groups.
15:16 New clarifying questions of the judge on what basis the Ministry of Justice applies prejudicial approach to the management center, if the center is not to involve in business. Prejudice is applicable in the case already in force decisions (ie the court relies upon them as already established fact) only in respect of the same legal subjects. Accordingly, the court decisions handed down in relation to MPO can not be prejudicial force for a centralized organization. 15:17 The representative of the Ministry of Justice argues that the Administrative Center knew about the court cases, and the center's lawyers were present at them. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit claims the need to eliminate religious organizations due to the fact that organizations, in their opinion, violate the rights of citizens. The court sets a representative Borisova another clarifying question: what kind of citizens' rights are violated? Borisov said that it is entitled to receive medical treatment. According to them, the organization prevent citizens to get medical treatment. In response to the buzz in the room the judge asks those present to contain their emotions. 15:24 The judge asked whether the Ministry of Justice proof of their assertions about the medical treatment. The Ministry of Justice is not willing to provide them. Judge perplexed again, because the Ministry of Justice recently held a large-scale inspection of Jehovah's Witnesses and, if there were such facts, they should have been identified. 15:25 The judge asked the Ministry of Justice will explain their assertion that the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses is a threat to public safety. The Ministry of Justice said the threat of unspecified persons. 15:30 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, if they are asked to ban Jehovah's Witnesses, will be whether the faithful gathered for prayer, under the threat of criminal prosecution. Ministry of Justice: Yes, if the court finds them guilty of violating Art. 282.2 UFPA. 15:34 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice on the Federal List of Extremist Materials (FSEM) Russian Ministry of Justice. Court interested in the question: whether the Justice Department is reviewing this list? The representative of the Ministry of Justice hesitant voice informs the court that sometimes this list may be revised. 15:39 Judge sends defendants the opportunity to ask questions of the Ministry of Justice. 15:40 Lawyer little wife primarily asks the court to refuse to accept a copy of the court decision, which a few days ago the Ministry of Justice presented to the court. The court described the case when some parents brought in the child patient hospital. Doctors diagnosed low hemoglobin and proposed drug therapy or blood transfusion. Parents preferred drugs, but the hospital went to court with a demand to provide it with a blank check for the use of donated blood. The decision also mentioned that there was no threat to life, it was about the planned treatment. The lawyer points out that the court decision does not mention any of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. 15:50 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice if there is no mention of Jehovah's Witnesses, then what does this document is in the present case. 15:53 Judge defers ruling on the admission of this document. 15:54 Lawyer little wife starts asking questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry. The first question is whether the Ministry of Justice information about any whatsoever offenses which are committed under the influence of the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses entered in FSEM. Reply by the representative of the Ministry: "There is no such information, we do not have." 15:57 Lawyer little wife clarifies representative for the Ministry of Justice, whether the respondent correctly understands that the Ministry of Justice claims boil down to three points: 1) the import of extremist literature, 2) financing MPO 3) failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activity. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that this is a correct understanding of, but here should be added to the "threat of violating human rights and civil rights." 16:00 Lawyers unsuccessfully trying to figure out what kind of human rights violations have in mind.
Little wife is trying to clarify the point of "failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activities." He asked whether the Ministry of Justice is known about the timely letters addressed to the center of Jehovah's Witnesses over the MPO, the inclusion of certain material in FSEM? Ministry of Justice is known. The next question is that, according to the ministry, it would be an effective measure? The Ministry of Justice does not know the exact answer to this question. The lawyer asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, whether there is a criterion of extremist activity, inaction? Obvious to everyone that there is no such criterion.
16:10 Little wife asked whether the Ministry of Justice that materials deemed extremist known to comprise 0.1% of the Witnesses literature. Ministry of Justice is unknown. Did the Ministry of Justice, that the Rostov Regional Court, admitted the 34 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses extremist, at the same time refused to recognize the extremist dozens of others. 16:19 Little wife specifies whether the Ministry of Justice that the literature is not imported into Russia for two years know. Ministry of Justice is known. Then the question arises, why in 2017 the Ministry of Justice raised the issue of liquidation. The Ministry of Justice can not give evidence to support that in the last 12 months, the Administrative Center of spreading "extremist" literature. 16:13 The Ministry of Justice reports that FSEM not specify the date of making the materials in this list. 16:24 The judge asked the Ministry representative, whether it is possible to claim a religious organization, as well as customs, because the country imported materials that are recognized as extremist in the future? How to know in advance that a particular material will be included in FSEM. The representative of the Ministry of Justice: does only apply to FSEM. 16:30 The defendant's representative Yuri Toporov trying to figure out that the Justice Ministry is investing in the concept of "structural unit of the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses." What is a "global organization"? This is some kind of a legal entity? The Ministry of Justice believes that there is, we are talking about a canonical concept. What is a "structural unit"? We are talking about a legal concept? No, rather the canonical connection. Another question: in what sense the Ministry of Justice uses this term in relation to the MPO, saying they are "structural units of the Administrative Center"? In the canonical or legal? The representative of the Ministry of Justice considers that it is identical. 16:37 Axes, trying to figure out whether the law on extremism to be rendered "structural unit" without making the organization. The Ministry of Justice is forced to admit that the warning should be made throughout the organization. 16:40 Topo is a natural question: if the warning was issued by the local religious organization and is not issued Administrative Center, as then, this local organization may be "structural division" center? Nothing. 16:42 The Ministry of Justice is now considered that the imposition of preventing "structural unit" is not prohibited by law, which means that the prosecutor's office could do it. What is not forbidden is allowed. The judge specifies the ministry representative, sent there then at least some notice of a religious organization (Administrative Center)? There is no evidence that such notifications were sent. 16:46 Topo a new question to the Ministry of Justice. whether the law provides for the possibility of countering extremism to eliminate the "structural unit" without the liquidation of the organization? The representative of the Ministry of Justice, "According to your interpretation, does not provide." The judge asked the plaintiff to accept the answer of the Ministry in this form. 16:53 Questions Ministry of Justice sets lawyer Omelchenko. He asked whether the Ministry of Justice unit able to answer exactly when a certain book appeared in the Federal List of Extremist Materials. The Ministry of Justice believes that the answer to this question can be obtained by judicial request. 16:56 Omelchenko asks about federal Forensic Center at the Ministry of Justice of Russia. He notes that these centers come to diametrically opposite conclusions about the presence or absence of signs of extremism. Omelchenko question: how could this be possible. A ministry spokesman did not know. The next question is why the Ministry of Justice supported only negative conclusions of experts and does not maintain a positive? Unknown. Does the Ministry of Justice initiated a review of decisions in cases where there was such a contradiction? Representative of the facts are not known. 16:58 Omelchenko reminded that earlier today the Court asked the Ministry of Justice the question of whether the Ministry has initiated a revision of the list of extremist materials, after amendments were made to the law, for example, that the Bible and quotes from it can not be priznavaemy extremist materials. No such initiatives by the Ministry of Justice was not. 17:07 Questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry asks the respondent's representative Maksim Novakov. He's trying to figure out whether the known circumstances of the Ministry of Justice of the events that are imputed to the Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist activities." For example, if they know what to search at the Jehovah's Witnesses security services are de-energized entire neighborhoods, where there are liturgical building. Ministry of Justice of the factual circumstances does not know. Other questions from the defendant to the Ministry of Justice no. 17:13 The court announces a break in the hearing until April 7, 2017 10:00. Entrance to the building will be open from 9:00 am. April 7 9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past.
10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path. In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian! 13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

15:25 The judge asked the Ministry of Justice will explain their assertion that the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses is a threat to public safety. The Ministry of Justice said the threat of unspecified persons. 15:30 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, if they are asked to ban Jehovah's Witnesses, will be whether the faithful gathered for prayer, under the threat of criminal prosecution. Ministry of Justice: Yes, if the court finds them guilty of violating Art. 282.2 UFPA. 15:34 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice on the Federal List of Extremist Materials (FSEM) Russian Ministry of Justice. Court interested in the question: whether the Justice Department is reviewing this list?The representative of the Ministry of Justice hesitant voice informs the court that sometimes this list may be revised. 15:39 Judge sends defendants the opportunity to ask questions of the Ministry of Justice. 15:40 Lawyer little wife primarily asks the court to refuse to accept a copy of the court decision, which a few days ago the Ministry of Justice presented to the court. The court described the case when some parents brought in the child patient hospital. Doctors diagnosed low hemoglobin and proposed drug therapy or blood transfusion. Parents preferred drugs, but the hospital went to court with a demand to provide it with a blank check for the use of donated blood. The decision also mentioned that there was no threat to life, it was about the planned treatment. The lawyer points out that the court decision does not mention any of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. 15:50 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice if there is no mention of Jehovah's Witnesses, then what does this document is in the present case. 15:53 Judge defers ruling on the admission of this document. 15:54 Lawyer little wife starts asking questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry. The first question is whether the Ministry of Justice information about any whatsoever offenses which are committed under the influence of the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses entered in FSEM. Reply by the representative of the Ministry: "There is no such information, we do not have." lawyer "little wife " is a mistranslation from russian it is suppose to be 
Lawyer Zhenkov

FOR TODAYS UPDATES AND TRANSCRIPT APRIL 7 SEE www.theworldnewsmedia.org/topic/34034-day-3-russia-vs-jehovahs-witnesses-supreme-court-transcript-live-updates/

13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Record performances:
Vasily Kalin         00:00         00:00         Sergey Cherepanov         00:00         00:00         WOW JEHOVAH IS CERTAINLY WATCHING THIS. COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL THE DAY "AFTER" THE MEMORIAL...SO MOST OF OUR BROTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL IN RELATIVE PEACE.
PRAISE JAH

9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past. 10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path.In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian!

Report: Supreme Court to hear the case to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses religion
April 5, 2017 began hearings on the suit on the Elimination of Jehovah's Witnesses before the Supreme Court of Russia. It conducted a text report from the courtroom.
5th of April April 6 April 7 5th of April 10:58 Big beautiful courtroom crowded. There are more than 200 people, including many journalists, representatives of public organizations and foreign embassies. The hearing began at 10:30.
A little less than 250 people were left on the street waiting for the results of the hearing. Cook Street in Moscow is filled with cars with transmitting television antennas. Occurring remove numerous chamber. Of police radios periodically hear the message "All is calm, without incident." In the hall representatives of embassies and international organizations in the headphones listening to the process of translation.
The case was heard Judge Yuri Ivanenko. The defendant, "the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia" are 6 persons, including Vasily Kalin of the Steering Committee, as well as lawyers. The representative of Ministry of Justice of Russia - Svetlana Borisova. Attached to the case with the defendant's objections to the applications in 35 volumes.
The court allowed the photographing and video recording only when the announcement of the final act. However, there is no record of obstacles. In the hall there are about 40 members of the media, they occupy the first rows of the audience.

11:00 The court refused to accept a counter claim for recognition of the Ministry of Justice acts of political repression. The judge described the passage of objections to the claim sufficient measure of protection for the defendant. 11:15 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses apply for admission to participation in the case of representatives of all 395 local religious organizations. Lawyer little wife: "If believers throughout Russia will be deprived of their rights, let them hear it here in court." Local religious organizations, contrary to the logic of the Ministry of Justice, are not the structural units of each other, but separate legal entities. 11:20 The lawyer Lew gives an example: "The logic of the Ministry of Justice, it turns out, it is necessary to impose a sentence: Shoot chieftain. And his whole platoon. " 11:25 The court rejected the enlistment of the 395 local organizations as a respondent. 11:30 Jehovah's Witnesses have asked the court to allow audio broadcasting the trial. The court refused. 11:35 Lawyers for the Jehovah's Witnesses are asking the court to adjourn the hearing pending the outcome of another case in another court. It is an appeal to the Court of Justice order the suspension of the activities of organizations . 11:42 The Ministry of Justice objected, because it believes that the authorities had every right to suspend the activities of organizations. 11:45 The court refused to postpone the hearing. 11:50 Omelchenko lawyer seeks the abandonment of the claim without consideration of the Ministry of Justice. The plaintiff is not complied with the pre-trial procedure for settling claims to the 395 communities of Jehovah's Witnesses. Before you make a claim for the liquidation of 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, the authorities, by law, had to make an official warning each of them and to give time to correct them. 11:55 The second reason for the abandonment without consideration of this claim lies in the fact that the Russian courts have treated similar cases of liquidation and recognition of the "extremist" 2 out of 395 local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations (Karachay-Cherkessia and the Samara region). 12:05 The Court dismissed the petition on the abandonment without consideration. 12:10 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses are asked to postpone the hearing for one week due to the fact that the Ministry of Justice sent a statement of claim to the defendant in time. It came in the mail only to March 28, 2017. In addition, the Ministry of Justice to provide the defendant not all documents specified in the annexes to the statement of claim. 12:17 The Ministry of Justice does not object to the adjournment of the case. 12:19 The court refused to postpone the case. 12:20 Lawyer little wife seeks the suspension of the case due to the fact that in a number of Russian vessels submitted applications for consideration in force decisions of the courts on newly discovered evidence. We are talking about the revision in force of affairs on the Elimination of 8 local religious organizations (MPO) and the introduction of 88 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses in FSEM. The fact that all those court decisions were made without the involvement of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, since the Ministry of Justice insisted that the court decisions in relation to the LRO not affect the rights of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. In the present case the Ministry of Justice changed position and now all accusations against MPO, imputed to the Administrative Center. 12:30 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension, considering that, in cases involving MPO attended the same lawyers as in the case of liquidation of the MPO. 12:33 The court retired to the deliberation room. 13:50 The Court went out of the deliberation room. The suspension of the case was denied. 13:55 Little wife's lawyer said the petition to bring to participate in the case of experts, namely the religious scholars and linguists. Specialists may clarify whether are really extremist and dangerous texts that form the basis of the requirements of the Ministry of Justice to ban an entire religion in Russia. 14:00 Asked by the judge whether to propose lawyers to arrange a "revision" of court decisions, which was included in the literature FSEM lawyers explained that this information will be important to determine the proportionality of the Ministry of Justice requirements. 14:04 The representative of the Ministry of Justice objected to the admission of experts for the hearing. 14:05 The court refused to attract specialists to the hearing. 14:06 The lawyer asks little wife get to take part in the 9 foreign legal persons representing the religious communities of Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe and America. The reason is that the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit asks the court to confiscate properties belonging to these organizations. 14:14 The court refused to attract foreign companies to participate in the case. 14:15 Omelchenko said the lawyer about bringing a motion to participate in the proceedings as interested parties of eight Russian citizens who were rehabilitated as victims of political repression. These people present in the room. Lawyers argue convincingly that these people rehabilitated from the turn in the case of satisfaction of the claim to the "extremists". 14:20 The Ministry of Justice said that the court decides on the liquidation of legal entities, it does not apply to individuals. In his reply the lawyer reminded the little wife that such considerations were guided by Soviet authorities, banning the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, however, repression of painful blow it for the people, so that they have been rehabilitated. 14:25 Court denies the petition. 14:30 Lawyers apply for the interrogation of individual citizens, followers of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses who can testify about what measures have been taken by Jehovah's Witnesses in order to prevent extremist activity. 14:35 The Ministry of Justice does not object. The court granted. 14:40 Lawyers say the request for interrogation as witnesses of persons recognized as victims of political repression. The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses. 14:43 Representative of Jehovah's Witnesses Nowak said petition for interrogation as witnesses of persons who witnessed falsification of evidence against those who believe in things that the Ministry of Justice uses in his lawsuit as "further evidence of the offense." 14:45 On the judge's objection that it comes to an effective decision, Novak says that in the present case can not be used prejudicial approach, because it is a different legal entity. The court must examine the evidence directly. Novakov tells the court about the circumstances and tossed perjuredly indications in a number of Russian cities. 15:00 The Ministry of Justice objected, arguing that the questioning, they believe authorities, aims to "to review the decision to enter into force." The court refused to question witnesses of falsification of evidence against local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations. 15:05 Omelchenko lawyer intercedes for the recovery of craft books that were considered "extremist" and which formed the basis of this lawsuit to ban Jehovah's Witnesses religion. Counsel emphasizes that it is necessary to study the question of whether these statements are dangerous enough that on this basis significantly restrict the right of 300 thousand Russian citizens. He draws attention to the legal requirement that the restrictions must be justified and proportionate to the constitutionally significant goals. 15:15 Omelchenko provides examples of statements in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, because of which these publications were recognized as extremist. 15:16 Omelchenko says that the court must examine whether such dangerous statements in the literature indicated that they would justify the restriction of the rights of hundreds of thousands of citizens. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses to vindication of literature deemed extremist. 15:21 The right to submit petitions transferred to the administrative claimant. The representative of the Ministry of Justice requests that the matter several judicial acts that were not attached to the claim. Office without having them on hand, was quick to refer to them in his lawsuit. And only now, having received them, asking them to attach to the case. 15:25 The defendant objected. The Court deliberated on the site satisfies the request of the Justice Ministry. 15:28 The court adjourned until April 6, 2017 14:00.

April 6 12:00 Weather in Moscow is warm and sunny. Near the entrance to the court formed a large human place. Working television journalists. Among those present a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. A marked increase in security measures. Directly at the entrance there is a bus with the police. At the input it is carried out a thorough inspection. Inside the building are not skipped any liquids. The employees of the Supreme Court, organizing hearings, doing their job professionally and smoothly. Despite the large number of students, there are no failures.

14:30 The hearing began with the defendants' application to suspend the hearing due to the fact that the private complaint filed yesterday's failure of the court to satisfy the majority of the 17 petitions declared. The hearing shall be suspended pending the outcome of these complaints. 14:33 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension of the proceedings. Court retire to the deliberation room. 14:37 Court rejects petition to suspend the hearing.
Omelchenko lawyer seeks to adduce material, which may indicate the political persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses. We are talking about the documents of foreign organizations such as the UN, OSCE, official statements about human rights organizations, as well as archival documents.
14:40 The court decided to grant the application for the admission of these materials.
Court reports are the case and gave the floor to the Ministry of Justice.
14:45 The representative of the Ministry of Justice Borisov proceeds to the presentation of the arguments justifying the prohibition of all the organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. It lists the court judgments delivered against local religious organizations (LRO) of Jehovah's Witnesses. 15:12 Concluding his speech, the representative of the Ministry of Justice asked the court to liquidate all Jehovah's Witnesses, to remove them from the register of legal entities and ban their activities. Asks confiscate the property and pay the court's decision to immediate execution (that is, not to wait for the decision enters into force).
The judge sets the representative of the Ministry of Justice a counter-question: why is the Ministry of Justice asked both to eliminate legal person and to ban their activity. Judge perplexed: how can you prohibit something that does not exist. He specifies whether you want to prohibit the Ministry of Justice and all unregistered groups? The representative of the Ministry of Justice explained that the ban does not ask them, because Jehovah's Witnesses have not provided the agency information on unregistered groups.
15:16 New clarifying questions of the judge on what basis the Ministry of Justice applies prejudicial approach to the management center, if the center is not to involve in business. Prejudice is applicable in the case already in force decisions (ie the court relies upon them as already established fact) only in respect of the same legal subjects. Accordingly, the court decisions handed down in relation to MPO can not be prejudicial force for a centralized organization. 15:17 The representative of the Ministry of Justice argues that the Administrative Center knew about the court cases, and the center's lawyers were present at them. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit claims the need to eliminate religious organizations due to the fact that organizations, in their opinion, violate the rights of citizens. The court sets a representative Borisova another clarifying question: what kind of citizens' rights are violated? Borisov said that it is entitled to receive medical treatment. According to them, the organization prevent citizens to get medical treatment. In response to the buzz in the room the judge asks those present to contain their emotions. 15:24 The judge asked whether the Ministry of Justice proof of their assertions about the medical treatment. The Ministry of Justice is not willing to provide them. Judge perplexed again, because the Ministry of Justice recently held a large-scale inspection of Jehovah's Witnesses and, if there were such facts, they should have been identified. 15:25 The judge asked the Ministry of Justice will explain their assertion that the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses is a threat to public safety. The Ministry of Justice said the threat of unspecified persons. 15:30 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, if they are asked to ban Jehovah's Witnesses, will be whether the faithful gathered for prayer, under the threat of criminal prosecution. Ministry of Justice: Yes, if the court finds them guilty of violating Art. 282.2 UFPA. 15:34 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice on the Federal List of Extremist Materials (FSEM) Russian Ministry of Justice. Court interested in the question: whether the Justice Department is reviewing this list? The representative of the Ministry of Justice hesitant voice informs the court that sometimes this list may be revised. 15:39 Judge sends defendants the opportunity to ask questions of the Ministry of Justice. 15:40 Lawyer little wife primarily asks the court to refuse to accept a copy of the court decision, which a few days ago the Ministry of Justice presented to the court. The court described the case when some parents brought in the child patient hospital. Doctors diagnosed low hemoglobin and proposed drug therapy or blood transfusion. Parents preferred drugs, but the hospital went to court with a demand to provide it with a blank check for the use of donated blood. The decision also mentioned that there was no threat to life, it was about the planned treatment. The lawyer points out that the court decision does not mention any of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. 15:50 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice if there is no mention of Jehovah's Witnesses, then what does this document is in the present case. 15:53 Judge defers ruling on the admission of this document. 15:54 Lawyer little wife starts asking questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry. The first question is whether the Ministry of Justice information about any whatsoever offenses which are committed under the influence of the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses entered in FSEM. Reply by the representative of the Ministry: "There is no such information, we do not have." 15:57 Lawyer little wife clarifies representative for the Ministry of Justice, whether the respondent correctly understands that the Ministry of Justice claims boil down to three points: 1) the import of extremist literature, 2) financing MPO 3) failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activity. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that this is a correct understanding of, but here should be added to the "threat of violating human rights and civil rights." 16:00 Lawyers unsuccessfully trying to figure out what kind of human rights violations have in mind.
Little wife is trying to clarify the point of "failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activities." He asked whether the Ministry of Justice is known about the timely letters addressed to the center of Jehovah's Witnesses over the MPO, the inclusion of certain material in FSEM? Ministry of Justice is known. The next question is that, according to the ministry, it would be an effective measure? The Ministry of Justice does not know the exact answer to this question. The lawyer asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, whether there is a criterion of extremist activity, inaction? Obvious to everyone that there is no such criterion.
16:10 Little wife asked whether the Ministry of Justice that materials deemed extremist known to comprise 0.1% of the Witnesses literature. Ministry of Justice is unknown. Did the Ministry of Justice, that the Rostov Regional Court, admitted the 34 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses extremist, at the same time refused to recognize the extremist dozens of others. 16:19 Little wife specifies whether the Ministry of Justice that the literature is not imported into Russia for two years know. Ministry of Justice is known. Then the question arises, why in 2017 the Ministry of Justice raised the issue of liquidation. The Ministry of Justice can not give evidence to support that in the last 12 months, the Administrative Center of spreading "extremist" literature. 16:13 The Ministry of Justice reports that FSEM not specify the date of making the materials in this list. 16:24 The judge asked the Ministry representative, whether it is possible to claim a religious organization, as well as customs, because the country imported materials that are recognized as extremist in the future? How to know in advance that a particular material will be included in FSEM. The representative of the Ministry of Justice: does only apply to FSEM. 16:30 The defendant's representative Yuri Toporov trying to figure out that the Justice Ministry is investing in the concept of "structural unit of the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses." What is a "global organization"? This is some kind of a legal entity? The Ministry of Justice believes that there is, we are talking about a canonical concept. What is a "structural unit"? We are talking about a legal concept? No, rather the canonical connection. Another question: in what sense the Ministry of Justice uses this term in relation to the MPO, saying they are "structural units of the Administrative Center"? In the canonical or legal? The representative of the Ministry of Justice considers that it is identical. 16:37 Axes, trying to figure out whether the law on extremism to be rendered "structural unit" without making the organization. The Ministry of Justice is forced to admit that the warning should be made throughout the organization. 16:40 Topo is a natural question: if the warning was issued by the local religious organization and is not issued Administrative Center, as then, this local organization may be "structural division" center? Nothing. 16:42 The Ministry of Justice is now considered that the imposition of preventing "structural unit" is not prohibited by law, which means that the prosecutor's office could do it. What is not forbidden is allowed. The judge specifies the ministry representative, sent there then at least some notice of a religious organization (Administrative Center)? There is no evidence that such notifications were sent. 16:46 Topo a new question to the Ministry of Justice. whether the law provides for the possibility of countering extremism to eliminate the "structural unit" without the liquidation of the organization? The representative of the Ministry of Justice, "According to your interpretation, does not provide." The judge asked the plaintiff to accept the answer of the Ministry in this form. 16:53 Questions Ministry of Justice sets lawyer Omelchenko. He asked whether the Ministry of Justice unit able to answer exactly when a certain book appeared in the Federal List of Extremist Materials. The Ministry of Justice believes that the answer to this question can be obtained by judicial request. 16:56 Omelchenko asks about federal Forensic Center at the Ministry of Justice of Russia. He notes that these centers come to diametrically opposite conclusions about the presence or absence of signs of extremism. Omelchenko question: how could this be possible. A ministry spokesman did not know. The next question is why the Ministry of Justice supported only negative conclusions of experts and does not maintain a positive? Unknown. Does the Ministry of Justice initiated a review of decisions in cases where there was such a contradiction? Representative of the facts are not known. 16:58 Omelchenko reminded that earlier today the Court asked the Ministry of Justice the question of whether the Ministry has initiated a revision of the list of extremist materials, after amendments were made to the law, for example, that the Bible and quotes from it can not be priznavaemy extremist materials. No such initiatives by the Ministry of Justice was not. 17:07 Questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry asks the respondent's representative Maksim Novakov. He's trying to figure out whether the known circumstances of the Ministry of Justice of the events that are imputed to the Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist activities." For example, if they know what to search at the Jehovah's Witnesses security services are de-energized entire neighborhoods, where there are liturgical building. Ministry of Justice of the factual circumstances does not know. Other questions from the defendant to the Ministry of Justice no. 17:13 The court announces a break in the hearing until April 7, 2017 10:00. Entrance to the building will be open from 9:00 am. April 7 9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past.
10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path. In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian! 13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Report: Supreme Court to hear the case to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses religion
April 5, 2017 began hearings on the suit on the Elimination of Jehovah's Witnesses before the Supreme Court of Russia. It conducted a text report from the courtroom.
5th of April April 6 April 7 5th of April 10:58 Big beautiful courtroom crowded. There are more than 200 people, including many journalists, representatives of public organizations and foreign embassies. The hearing began at 10:30.
A little less than 250 people were left on the street waiting for the results of the hearing. Cook Street in Moscow is filled with cars with transmitting television antennas. Occurring remove numerous chamber. Of police radios periodically hear the message "All is calm, without incident." In the hall representatives of embassies and international organizations in the headphones listening to the process of translation.
The case was heard Judge Yuri Ivanenko. The defendant, "the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia" are 6 persons, including Vasily Kalin of the Steering Committee, as well as lawyers. The representative of Ministry of Justice of Russia - Svetlana Borisova. Attached to the case with the defendant's objections to the applications in 35 volumes.
The court allowed the photographing and video recording only when the announcement of the final act. However, there is no record of obstacles. In the hall there are about 40 members of the media, they occupy the first rows of the audience.

11:00 The court refused to accept a counter claim for recognition of the Ministry of Justice acts of political repression. The judge described the passage of objections to the claim sufficient measure of protection for the defendant. 11:15 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses apply for admission to participation in the case of representatives of all 395 local religious organizations. Lawyer little wife: "If believers throughout Russia will be deprived of their rights, let them hear it here in court." Local religious organizations, contrary to the logic of the Ministry of Justice, are not the structural units of each other, but separate legal entities. 11:20 The lawyer Lew gives an example: "The logic of the Ministry of Justice, it turns out, it is necessary to impose a sentence: Shoot chieftain. And his whole platoon. " 11:25 The court rejected the enlistment of the 395 local organizations as a respondent. 11:30 Jehovah's Witnesses have asked the court to allow audio broadcasting the trial. The court refused. 11:35 Lawyers for the Jehovah's Witnesses are asking the court to adjourn the hearing pending the outcome of another case in another court. It is an appeal to the Court of Justice order the suspension of the activities of organizations . 11:42 The Ministry of Justice objected, because it believes that the authorities had every right to suspend the activities of organizations. 11:45 The court refused to postpone the hearing. 11:50 Omelchenko lawyer seeks the abandonment of the claim without consideration of the Ministry of Justice. The plaintiff is not complied with the pre-trial procedure for settling claims to the 395 communities of Jehovah's Witnesses. Before you make a claim for the liquidation of 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, the authorities, by law, had to make an official warning each of them and to give time to correct them. 11:55 The second reason for the abandonment without consideration of this claim lies in the fact that the Russian courts have treated similar cases of liquidation and recognition of the "extremist" 2 out of 395 local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations (Karachay-Cherkessia and the Samara region). 12:05 The Court dismissed the petition on the abandonment without consideration. 12:10 Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses are asked to postpone the hearing for one week due to the fact that the Ministry of Justice sent a statement of claim to the defendant in time. It came in the mail only to March 28, 2017. In addition, the Ministry of Justice to provide the defendant not all documents specified in the annexes to the statement of claim. 12:17 The Ministry of Justice does not object to the adjournment of the case. 12:19 The court refused to postpone the case. 12:20 Lawyer little wife seeks the suspension of the case due to the fact that in a number of Russian vessels submitted applications for consideration in force decisions of the courts on newly discovered evidence. We are talking about the revision in force of affairs on the Elimination of 8 local religious organizations (MPO) and the introduction of 88 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses in FSEM. The fact that all those court decisions were made without the involvement of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, since the Ministry of Justice insisted that the court decisions in relation to the LRO not affect the rights of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. In the present case the Ministry of Justice changed position and now all accusations against MPO, imputed to the Administrative Center. 12:30 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension, considering that, in cases involving MPO attended the same lawyers as in the case of liquidation of the MPO. 12:33 The court retired to the deliberation room. 13:50 The Court went out of the deliberation room. The suspension of the case was denied. 13:55 Little wife's lawyer said the petition to bring to participate in the case of experts, namely the religious scholars and linguists. Specialists may clarify whether are really extremist and dangerous texts that form the basis of the requirements of the Ministry of Justice to ban an entire religion in Russia. 14:00 Asked by the judge whether to propose lawyers to arrange a "revision" of court decisions, which was included in the literature FSEM lawyers explained that this information will be important to determine the proportionality of the Ministry of Justice requirements. 14:04 The representative of the Ministry of Justice objected to the admission of experts for the hearing. 14:05 The court refused to attract specialists to the hearing. 14:06 The lawyer asks little wife get to take part in the 9 foreign legal persons representing the religious communities of Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe and America. The reason is that the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit asks the court to confiscate properties belonging to these organizations. 14:14 The court refused to attract foreign companies to participate in the case. 14:15 Omelchenko said the lawyer about bringing a motion to participate in the proceedings as interested parties of eight Russian citizens who were rehabilitated as victims of political repression. These people present in the room. Lawyers argue convincingly that these people rehabilitated from the turn in the case of satisfaction of the claim to the "extremists". 14:20 The Ministry of Justice said that the court decides on the liquidation of legal entities, it does not apply to individuals. In his reply the lawyer reminded the little wife that such considerations were guided by Soviet authorities, banning the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, however, repression of painful blow it for the people, so that they have been rehabilitated. 14:25 Court denies the petition. 14:30 Lawyers apply for the interrogation of individual citizens, followers of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses who can testify about what measures have been taken by Jehovah's Witnesses in order to prevent extremist activity. 14:35 The Ministry of Justice does not object. The court granted. 14:40 Lawyers say the request for interrogation as witnesses of persons recognized as victims of political repression. The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses. 14:43 Representative of Jehovah's Witnesses Nowak said petition for interrogation as witnesses of persons who witnessed falsification of evidence against those who believe in things that the Ministry of Justice uses in his lawsuit as "further evidence of the offense." 14:45 On the judge's objection that it comes to an effective decision, Novak says that in the present case can not be used prejudicial approach, because it is a different legal entity. The court must examine the evidence directly. Novakov tells the court about the circumstances and tossed perjuredly indications in a number of Russian cities. 15:00 The Ministry of Justice objected, arguing that the questioning, they believe authorities, aims to "to review the decision to enter into force." The court refused to question witnesses of falsification of evidence against local Jehovah's Witnesses organizations. 15:05 Omelchenko lawyer intercedes for the recovery of craft books that were considered "extremist" and which formed the basis of this lawsuit to ban Jehovah's Witnesses religion. Counsel emphasizes that it is necessary to study the question of whether these statements are dangerous enough that on this basis significantly restrict the right of 300 thousand Russian citizens. He draws attention to the legal requirement that the restrictions must be justified and proportionate to the constitutionally significant goals. 15:15 Omelchenko provides examples of statements in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, because of which these publications were recognized as extremist. 15:16 Omelchenko says that the court must examine whether such dangerous statements in the literature indicated that they would justify the restriction of the rights of hundreds of thousands of citizens. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice objected. Court refuses to vindication of literature deemed extremist. 15:21 The right to submit petitions transferred to the administrative claimant. The representative of the Ministry of Justice requests that the matter several judicial acts that were not attached to the claim. Office without having them on hand, was quick to refer to them in his lawsuit. And only now, having received them, asking them to attach to the case. 15:25 The defendant objected. The Court deliberated on the site satisfies the request of the Justice Ministry. 15:28 The court adjourned until April 6, 2017 14:00.

April 6 12:00 Weather in Moscow is warm and sunny. Near the entrance to the court formed a large human place. Working television journalists. Among those present a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. A marked increase in security measures. Directly at the entrance there is a bus with the police. At the input it is carried out a thorough inspection. Inside the building are not skipped any liquids. The employees of the Supreme Court, organizing hearings, doing their job professionally and smoothly. Despite the large number of students, there are no failures.

14:30 The hearing began with the defendants' application to suspend the hearing due to the fact that the private complaint filed yesterday's failure of the court to satisfy the majority of the 17 petitions declared. The hearing shall be suspended pending the outcome of these complaints. 14:33 The Ministry of Justice objected to the suspension of the proceedings. Court retire to the deliberation room. 14:37 Court rejects petition to suspend the hearing.
Omelchenko lawyer seeks to adduce material, which may indicate the political persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses. We are talking about the documents of foreign organizations such as the UN, OSCE, official statements about human rights organizations, as well as archival documents.
14:40 The court decided to grant the application for the admission of these materials.
Court reports are the case and gave the floor to the Ministry of Justice.
14:45 The representative of the Ministry of Justice Borisov proceeds to the presentation of the arguments justifying the prohibition of all the organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. It lists the court judgments delivered against local religious organizations (LRO) of Jehovah's Witnesses. 15:12 Concluding his speech, the representative of the Ministry of Justice asked the court to liquidate all Jehovah's Witnesses, to remove them from the register of legal entities and ban their activities. Asks confiscate the property and pay the court's decision to immediate execution (that is, not to wait for the decision enters into force).
The judge sets the representative of the Ministry of Justice a counter-question: why is the Ministry of Justice asked both to eliminate legal person and to ban their activity. Judge perplexed: how can you prohibit something that does not exist. He specifies whether you want to prohibit the Ministry of Justice and all unregistered groups? The representative of the Ministry of Justice explained that the ban does not ask them, because Jehovah's Witnesses have not provided the agency information on unregistered groups.
15:16 New clarifying questions of the judge on what basis the Ministry of Justice applies prejudicial approach to the management center, if the center is not to involve in business. Prejudice is applicable in the case already in force decisions (ie the court relies upon them as already established fact) only in respect of the same legal subjects. Accordingly, the court decisions handed down in relation to MPO can not be prejudicial force for a centralized organization. 15:17 The representative of the Ministry of Justice argues that the Administrative Center knew about the court cases, and the center's lawyers were present at them. 15:20 The Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit claims the need to eliminate religious organizations due to the fact that organizations, in their opinion, violate the rights of citizens. The court sets a representative Borisova another clarifying question: what kind of citizens' rights are violated? Borisov said that it is entitled to receive medical treatment. According to them, the organization prevent citizens to get medical treatment. In response to the buzz in the room the judge asks those present to contain their emotions. 15:24 The judge asked whether the Ministry of Justice proof of their assertions about the medical treatment. The Ministry of Justice is not willing to provide them. Judge perplexed again, because the Ministry of Justice recently held a large-scale inspection of Jehovah's Witnesses and, if there were such facts, they should have been identified. 15:25 The judge asked the Ministry of Justice will explain their assertion that the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses is a threat to public safety. The Ministry of Justice said the threat of unspecified persons. 15:30 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, if they are asked to ban Jehovah's Witnesses, will be whether the faithful gathered for prayer, under the threat of criminal prosecution. Ministry of Justice: Yes, if the court finds them guilty of violating Art. 282.2 UFPA. 15:34 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice on the Federal List of Extremist Materials (FSEM) Russian Ministry of Justice. Court interested in the question: whether the Justice Department is reviewing this list? The representative of the Ministry of Justice hesitant voice informs the court that sometimes this list may be revised. 15:39 Judge sends defendants the opportunity to ask questions of the Ministry of Justice. 15:40 Lawyer little wife primarily asks the court to refuse to accept a copy of the court decision, which a few days ago the Ministry of Justice presented to the court. The court described the case when some parents brought in the child patient hospital. Doctors diagnosed low hemoglobin and proposed drug therapy or blood transfusion. Parents preferred drugs, but the hospital went to court with a demand to provide it with a blank check for the use of donated blood. The decision also mentioned that there was no threat to life, it was about the planned treatment. The lawyer points out that the court decision does not mention any of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. 15:50 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice if there is no mention of Jehovah's Witnesses, then what does this document is in the present case. 15:53 Judge defers ruling on the admission of this document. 15:54 Lawyer little wife starts asking questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry. The first question is whether the Ministry of Justice information about any whatsoever offenses which are committed under the influence of the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses entered in FSEM. Reply by the representative of the Ministry: "There is no such information, we do not have." 15:57 Lawyer little wife clarifies representative for the Ministry of Justice, whether the respondent correctly understands that the Ministry of Justice claims boil down to three points: 1) the import of extremist literature, 2) financing MPO 3) failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activity. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that this is a correct understanding of, but here should be added to the "threat of violating human rights and civil rights." 16:00 Lawyers unsuccessfully trying to figure out what kind of human rights violations have in mind.
Little wife is trying to clarify the point of "failure to take effective measures to prevent extremist activities." He asked whether the Ministry of Justice is known about the timely letters addressed to the center of Jehovah's Witnesses over the MPO, the inclusion of certain material in FSEM? Ministry of Justice is known. The next question is that, according to the ministry, it would be an effective measure? The Ministry of Justice does not know the exact answer to this question. The lawyer asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, whether there is a criterion of extremist activity, inaction? Obvious to everyone that there is no such criterion.
16:10 Little wife asked whether the Ministry of Justice that materials deemed extremist known to comprise 0.1% of the Witnesses literature. Ministry of Justice is unknown. Did the Ministry of Justice, that the Rostov Regional Court, admitted the 34 publications of Jehovah's Witnesses extremist, at the same time refused to recognize the extremist dozens of others. 16:19 Little wife specifies whether the Ministry of Justice that the literature is not imported into Russia for two years know. Ministry of Justice is known. Then the question arises, why in 2017 the Ministry of Justice raised the issue of liquidation. The Ministry of Justice can not give evidence to support that in the last 12 months, the Administrative Center of spreading "extremist" literature. 16:13 The Ministry of Justice reports that FSEM not specify the date of making the materials in this list. 16:24 The judge asked the Ministry representative, whether it is possible to claim a religious organization, as well as customs, because the country imported materials that are recognized as extremist in the future? How to know in advance that a particular material will be included in FSEM. The representative of the Ministry of Justice: does only apply to FSEM. 16:30 The defendant's representative Yuri Toporov trying to figure out that the Justice Ministry is investing in the concept of "structural unit of the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses." What is a "global organization"? This is some kind of a legal entity? The Ministry of Justice believes that there is, we are talking about a canonical concept. What is a "structural unit"? We are talking about a legal concept? No, rather the canonical connection. Another question: in what sense the Ministry of Justice uses this term in relation to the MPO, saying they are "structural units of the Administrative Center"? In the canonical or legal? The representative of the Ministry of Justice considers that it is identical. 16:37 Axes, trying to figure out whether the law on extremism to be rendered "structural unit" without making the organization. The Ministry of Justice is forced to admit that the warning should be made throughout the organization. 16:40 Topo is a natural question: if the warning was issued by the local religious organization and is not issued Administrative Center, as then, this local organization may be "structural division" center? Nothing. 16:42 The Ministry of Justice is now considered that the imposition of preventing "structural unit" is not prohibited by law, which means that the prosecutor's office could do it. What is not forbidden is allowed. The judge specifies the ministry representative, sent there then at least some notice of a religious organization (Administrative Center)? There is no evidence that such notifications were sent. 16:46 Topo a new question to the Ministry of Justice. whether the law provides for the possibility of countering extremism to eliminate the "structural unit" without the liquidation of the organization? The representative of the Ministry of Justice, "According to your interpretation, does not provide." The judge asked the plaintiff to accept the answer of the Ministry in this form. 16:53 Questions Ministry of Justice sets lawyer Omelchenko. He asked whether the Ministry of Justice unit able to answer exactly when a certain book appeared in the Federal List of Extremist Materials. The Ministry of Justice believes that the answer to this question can be obtained by judicial request. 16:56 Omelchenko asks about federal Forensic Center at the Ministry of Justice of Russia. He notes that these centers come to diametrically opposite conclusions about the presence or absence of signs of extremism. Omelchenko question: how could this be possible. A ministry spokesman did not know. The next question is why the Ministry of Justice supported only negative conclusions of experts and does not maintain a positive? Unknown. Does the Ministry of Justice initiated a review of decisions in cases where there was such a contradiction? Representative of the facts are not known. 16:58 Omelchenko reminded that earlier today the Court asked the Ministry of Justice the question of whether the Ministry has initiated a revision of the list of extremist materials, after amendments were made to the law, for example, that the Bible and quotes from it can not be priznavaemy extremist materials. No such initiatives by the Ministry of Justice was not. 17:07 Questions to the representative of the Justice Ministry asks the respondent's representative Maksim Novakov. He's trying to figure out whether the known circumstances of the Ministry of Justice of the events that are imputed to the Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist activities." For example, if they know what to search at the Jehovah's Witnesses security services are de-energized entire neighborhoods, where there are liturgical building. Ministry of Justice of the factual circumstances does not know. Other questions from the defendant to the Ministry of Justice no. 17:13 The court announces a break in the hearing until April 7, 2017 10:00. Entrance to the building will be open from 9:00 am. April 7 9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past.
10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path. In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian! 13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Yeah, no matter what they say, when those hooks are in their mouth they will do things they never imagined

Yes Jehovah wants His People to enjoy the Memorial. Let them praise the Name of Jehovah forever and the respect for His King Christ Jesus! ? These nations are just a drop in The bucket to Him! ?

That is amazing that Our brothers will get a hold a memorial in peace. Praise be to Jehovah 

9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past. 10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path.In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian!

13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Record performances:
Vasily Kalin         00:00         00:00         Sergey Cherepanov         00:00         00:00         WOW JEHOVAH IS CERTAINLY WATCHING THIS. COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL THE DAY "AFTER" THE MEMORIAL...SO MOST OF OUR BROTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL IN RELATIVE PEACE.
PRAISE JAH

13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Record performances:
Vasily Kalin         00:00         00:00         Sergey Cherepanov         00:00         00:00         WOW JEHOVAH IS CERTAINLY WATCHING THIS. COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL THE DAY "AFTER" THE MEMORIAL...SO MOST OF OUR BROTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL IN RELATIVE PEACE.
PRAISE JAH

WOW JEHOVAH IS CERTAINLY WATCHING THIS. COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL THE DAY "AFTER" THE MEMORIAL...SO MOST OF OUR BROTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL IN RELATIVE PEACE.
PRAISE JAH

13:18 Novakov notes that the term is a structural unit defined in the corresponding chapter of the title of the law. The concept of "structural unit" refers only to political parties. 13:25 The court announces a break until April 12, 2017 10:00.

Record performances:
Vasily Kalin         00:00         00:00         Sergey Cherepanov         00:00         00:00         WOW JEHOVAH IS CERTAINLY WATCHING THIS. COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL THE DAY "AFTER" THE MEMORIAL...SO MOST OF OUR BROTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL IN RELATIVE PEACE.
PRAISE JAH

9:00 In Moscow, a soft drizzle of rain. Along the facade of the Supreme Court was stretched a long line of those who came to the process as listeners. At the courthouse at Cook Street parked a large bus full of obviously bored police officers. So loud process seems unordinary event for court employees. However, a surprising calm that, despite the obvious excitement retain hundreds of believers, better than any words convinced that extremism - it is not about them.

9:40 Great Hall of the Supreme Court gradually filled with students and journalists. 10:00 The process began with the questions of the court to a representative of the Ministry of Justice. Court seeks to deal with the fact that the plaintiff imputes Administrative Center blamed the episode from 2014, when, according to the Ministry, the Administrative Center has imported in the Russian publication, which will subsequently be recognized as extremist materials. Court interested in the question, how could a religious organization to know that the book will be recognized as extremist, if not FSEM. 10:10 Court seeks to understand at what rate law based Ministry of Justice, claiming that the local religious organization (MPO) are "structural units" of the Administrative Center. The Ministry of Justice considers that it is logical, because the organization read the same books, and linked. Court asks how it is in this case meets the requirements of legal certainty. Does this not violate the European Convention enshrined the right to freedom of religion? After all, it was denied in bringing 395 companies to participate in the case as a respondent. Questions remain without clear answers. 10:20 The judge asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, on the basis of which they claim that the funding MPO Administrative Center is precisely the financing of "extremist activity"? What it is objectively proved? If anything, then what's the Ministry of Justice claims are based? 10:28 objections to the presentation of all proceeds to the defendants. But above all, the lawyer Omelchenko seeks to adduce statements from the Russian newspaper dates entry in FSEM of certain publications. Court attaches. 10:35 The first acts Vasily Kalin, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia." Legitimate whether today's efforts to ban the Witnesses? For 26 years, the center has not been brought to justice for extremism. "If we are all these years have been good, at which point we have extremists?" If the ban happens to be inflicted substantial harm, and persecution has already begun. People will be prosecuted only for a joint reading of the Bible, and we've been through. We already put on a par with organizations such as the Taliban, and other Aum Senriko. The position of Jehovah's Witnesses is unchanged: to obey the authorities, to pray for them. Always adhere to the principles of peace. 10:45 Kalin said the circumstances of the repression of religion in the Soviet Union, which he remembers himself. It shows the court a certificate rehabilitated victims of political repression. He asks what is now witness wants him and his co-religionists to give the Ministry of Justice? Actions of Justice reject the country in the past. 10:50 By the Deputy Kalina, Sergei Cherepanov. He explains what measures have been taken the center of Jehovah's Witnesses for the prevention of extremism. 10:57 Cherepanov mentions that the center of Jehovah's Witnesses in the list of the most dangerous organizations. He is not a lawyer, but he thinks that the actions of the Ministry of the fight against extremism gone down the wrong path.In recent years, 20 criminal cases under article Extremism were initiated against Jehovah's Witnesses. Although most of the cases ended in acquittals, the faithful rights were significantly violated and their lives are blighted. 11:05 Cherepanov mentions cases of fraud had been planted and which have been declared to law enforcement agencies, however, completely ignored by the police and other authorities. There is no doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses center has taken all possible measures to counter extremism. Deputy Attorney General, who a year ago signed a warning of Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to meet, which could clarify what further action the supervisor might expect from the Jehovah's Witnesses. 11:13 Fight against extremism in the civilized world. However, only in Russia is persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses, who worship in the world visited by about 20 million people. Pursue them in Russia means to challenge all those countries where Jehovah's Witnesses are free to profess their faith. At this Cherepanov finishes his speech and asked to adduce points of his speech.
Full text explanations Cherepanov SB (PDF, 226 KB)
11:15 Speech Zhenkova lawyer. He convincingly argues that, contrary to the Ministry of Justice, among the goals and objectives of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not extremism. If 100 years and unofficially officially 26 years of existence of Jehovah's Witnesses were not proven harm from their activities, then what harm refers to the Ministry of Justice? 11:20 Little wife points out that the vast majority of publications Witnesses were included in FSEM 8 years ago. Over the years there have been no terrorist act or an act of vandalism by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nothing of the sort was before. 11:24 Little wife draws attention to the fact that these publications were included in FSEM before the famous Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, who explained that extremism can not be regarded as criticism of other religions. 11:25 Little wife emphasizes that only a few experts found signs of extremism in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. unqualified experts often work. Courts hear cases in the absence of the faithful. For example, one of the brochures, which contains almost no text has been recognized as an extremist for the phrase "avoid bad deeds." In response to laughter little wife said that the people who conduct searches because of this brochure, not a laughing matter. 11:30 Two other publications included in FSEM, but Jehovah's Witnesses still do not know why, in spite of the numerous appeals and requests. "If so consider printed texts, the Russian can generally be left without books soon!" 11:35 Little wife: It seems that the prosecution is trying by all means to recognize the extremist largest possible number of Jehovah's Witnesses materials. For example, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit on the recognition of extremist Bible itself, in spite of an express stipulation in the law of the Bible and quotes from it can not be recognized as extremist. Of arguments the prosecutor's office: "Taken as a book, the Bible ceases to be the Bible, which it is only in the Church." (Laughter.) 11:39 Little wife points out that the cases involving the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses extremist literature appealed to the ECHR. 22 complaints and merged into one. In response to the request of the Strasbourg Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses literature contains no open calls for violence. 11:45 The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the case of the recognition of the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist materials shall not affect the rights of the "Jehovah's Witnesses Administrative Center in Russia", and these solutions are not canceled. A Justice Department now believes that on the contrary, affects ¬eto Law Center. But this is a mistake. 11:55 Lawyer little wife document proves that the printed materials have never been imported to the country after having been recognized as extremist. This also applies to all of the episodes, which imputes to believers the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. 12:05 At importation into the country almost every publication from the center of Jehovah's Witnesses were the results of examinations, is not found in them signs of extremism. Thus, the center could not have foreseen that certain materials can be considered extremist. The legislation is based on the principles of legal certainty and predictability of the consequences of certain actions. However, in the actions of state authorities against Jehovah's Witnesses, this principle is clearly not respected. 12:10 Statement by the representative of the defendant Toporova. "Extremism is extremism of Jehovah's Witnesses on the paper." No casualties, the victims or victims of the alleged "extremist" activities nor the prosecutor's office nor the Ministry of Justice failed to provide. 12:12 Axes refutes the Ministry of Justice on the "financing of extremism." Financial aid directed MPO, was directed at the liturgical service of buildings, utilities, sometimes to help the believers who have suffered from natural disasters. 12:17 The representative of Ax: The Ministry of Justice is encouraging countries to highest judicial body to resort to double standards. Earlier, the court, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, took the consistent position that the judgment against the local organizations do not affect the rights of the Administrative Center. Now the position of the Ministry has changed the other way around. It is trying to extend the sanctions imposed on several local organizations in the center and on all other 395 local religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12:22 Axes analyzes the legal meaning of the term "within the structure of a centralized organization." Referring to the legislation, regulations and legal opinions, Ax shows that we are talking exclusively about the canonical and spiritual connection. Local religious organizations are not branches and representative offices of a centralized organization. 12:37 Axes explains that central and local organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are not liable for the obligations of each other. Center is the founder of any of the MPO. Each of them has its own composition of the founders of the 10 or more people. Each MPO its unique name, its own constitution, separate property, the right to enter into civil contracts. Addressing the judge, ax the analogy: the entire Russian judicial system is a single structure, but regional courts are not the structural units of the Supreme Court, but are separate entities. 12:43 Axes wondered why the vast majority, more than 380 MRO Russia, who have never received any complaints from the state, should be eliminated, even without warning and the opportunity to change something? In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of the results of audits of various departments, found no violations in the activities of all these MPO. 22 Crimea MPO, registered under the Russian legislation and have not committed any violation, wondering what they should be recognized as extremist, and their property confiscated? Why Moscow MPO registered under the instruction of the ECHR and has not committed any offense should be subject to less severe penalties? 12:52 Presentation by representative of Maxim Novakova. His speech is devoted to the analysis of so-called "new evidence of extremist activity" referred to by the Ministry of Justice in its lawsuit. We are talking about fines imposed on the number of MPO due to the detection in the liturgical buildings of extremist materials. 13:06 Administrative Center is not invited to participate in the affairs, so did not have an effective opportunity to raise the issue of the presence of provocations. Meanwhile, no evidence for a court may not have established force. Judicial decisions imposing fines could not have a prejudicial effect. Otherwise it would be a violation of the right to a fair trial. The decisions referred to by the Court - it is a beautiful enclosed "boxes", but the content of these "boxes" are not as priglyadno. To have a complete picture and to make an objective assessment, the court must assess the circumstances of the incident. At the service breaks riot police, throwing all the men on the floor, they were not allowed even to raise his head, while the unidentified man move uncontrollably in the building. On camera recorded as riot police stormed the building and takes liturgical police tossed in the closet prohibited materials, and then they "discover". 13:12 Novakov tells an interesting detail, recently discovered in the materials of the case. It turned out that one of the lobed publications is the inscription indicating that this publication belongs to one of the centers of Orthodox anti-sectarian!