JWs fined for texting

[feather]

http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=1870

 

In the first such case known to Forum 18 News Service, an individual has been punished under Kazakhstan's harsh controls on religious activity simply for inviting friends to attend a registered religious meeting. Zarina Burova was fined for illegal "missionary activity" after inviting friends by text message. In another recent case, the presence of several guests at a religious meeting of a state-registered community was enough to cause four fines for illegal "missionary activity".

Among an upsurge of raids and fines during the summer months on members of religious communities, regardless of whether or not these are officially registered, those sharing their faith with strangers were also punished for "missionary activity".

Thirteen Jehovah's Witnesses, all members of locally registered communities, were fined for alleged "missionary activity without registration" between May and July, Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18 from Almaty on 26 August. They said they expect more fines since "prosecutions [of Jehovah's Witnesses] continue throughout Kazakhstan".

Fined nine months' minimum wage

Each of the 13 Jehovah's Witnesses was fined 100 Minimum Financial Indicators (MFIs) or 173,100 Tenge (6,850 Norwegian Kroner, 860 Euros or 1,130 US Dollars). This is the maximum fine under Code of Administrative Offences Article 375, Part 3 and represents just over nine months' official minimum monthly wage.

Some of the thirteen "were penalised for talking to people about God and the Bible, and sharing their personal religious beliefs", Jehovah's Witnesses complained to Forum 18. "Why do these believers need to be registered specifically as missionaries" to be able to share their views on religion with others, they asked. "It is our Constitutional right and also protected by Article 18 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [iCCPR, signed by Kazakhstan]."

However, four of the thirteen punished Jehovah's Witnesses were fined for meeting together with other members of their registered community to read the Bible and pray. But as some non-members attended the meeting, the authorities qualified this as "illegal" missionary activity.

[SUNRAY]

Wow! and we are concerned about No Trespassing signs!

[Jewelz]

Things will change where we are too at some point! Lots of prayers for our bro & sisters!

[raq]

 

However, four of the thirteen punished Jehovah's Witnesses were fined for meeting together with other members of their registered community to read the Bible and pray. But as some non-members attended the meeting, the authorities qualified this as "illegal" missionary activity.

this is the highest order of hatred against our brothers...why are they fulfilling the prophecy to brothers and sisters so hardy like this????Satan is really behind them. I trust Jehovah will take care of this on his own due time..my prayers be with our br &sis facing trials there and everywhere. May Jehovah be your stronghold

Edited September 6, 2013 by raq

[surfergirl]

Definitely praying for our Brothers and sisters.

So miserable. They look for even the smallest thing to find our Brothers.

It feels like Daniel being thrown into the lions pit.

May Jehovah be with them.

[sunshine]

I will pray for the friends - Satan has completely lost his head now... sending a text ?! That's insane.  Jehovah will open the way for the honest hearted people and he will support our brothers.