Witnesses worldwide distribute leaflet as part of special initiative
On October 20, 2008, Jehovah’s Witnesses began a global initiative that focuses on finding satisfying answers to important questions in life. Their distribution of a leaflet entitled “Would You Like to Know the Truth?” will continue through mid-November.
Human rights decline in Eritrea: 20 more jailed since July
Although the human rights situation in Eritrea has been grave for some years, conditions worsened as 20 more of Jehovah’s Witnesses were arrested during the past three months. The group includes men and women, ranging in age from 16 to 75.
Also see the International Religious Freedom Report 2008 regarding Eritrea
Peaceful worship threatened in Azerbaijan
The escalation of raids, arrests and deportations indicates a steady decline of human rights in Azerbaijan.
Relevant report: http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1179
Changes to religion law in Austria can benefit other countries
The ruling of the ECHR turns out to be of great importance for the religious freedom in any pluralistic and democratic society. The importance goes beyond Austria, because many European states still have outmoded church law structures and these are in contrast to a modern democratic society.
Arson destroys religious meeting hall in Russia
For the first time in the modern history of Russia, arson left a Kingdom Hall, or house of worship used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, in charred ruins. This comes at a time when official opposition to religious freedom has reached the highest levels since the establishment of the Russian Federation. (Russian)
FSB officers raid Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia
On July 16, the FSB security service arrived at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Yekaterinburg and detained 18 members present, some of whom were doing building repair work. The officers searched the premises and seized Bible-based religious literature. They initially refused to allow the Witnesses to use their mobile telephones to contact a lawyer. (Russian)
Four years in a labor colony for being a Christian
In Uzbekistan, the Samarkand Criminal Court sentenced Olim Turayev to four years in a labor colony for practicing his Christian faith.
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Faithful Under Trials—Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union
