New York Times: Russia Moves to Ban Jehovah’s Witnesses as ‘Extremist’ By ANDREW HIGGINSAPRIL 4, 2017

[1gemstone]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/world/europe/russia-moves-to-ban-jehovahs-witnesses-as-extremist.html?ribbon-ad-idx=2&rref=world/europe&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Europe&pgtype=article

 

Unable to copy and paste part of the article.

Edited April 4, 2017 by 1gemstone

[UpstateKate]

Interesting that the article stated that the Russian government can't control Jehovah's organization. They got that right! I'm surprised they didn't mention the Supreme Court hearing tomorrow.

[Doug]

This helped me to see what their point of view is.  Why are we a threat?  Because they can't control us.  Is there any risk?  No. We don't even vote.  Why ban us?  Because we're a soft target, it will send the message they want sent. 

The Russian Orthodoxy can't handle competition, frankly.

[Raven]

I feel sorry for brother Sivak. At least they've given us a specific name we can pray for...

[Raven]

2 minutes ago, Doug said:

This helped me to see what their point of view is.  Why are we a threat?  Because they can't control us.  Is there any risk?  No. We don't even vote.  Why ban us?  Because we're a soft target, it will send the message they want sent. 

The Russian Orthodoxy can't handle competition, frankly.

And by targeting us they don't risk losing votes, as we won't vote either way.

[campanula]

Quote

 They can be used to send a message.”

That message, it would seem, is that everyone needs to get with the Putin program — or risk being branded as an extremist for displaying indifference, never mind hostility, to the Kremlin’s drive to make Russia a great power again.

Attacking Jehovah’s Witnesses also sends a signal that even the mildest deviation from the norm, if proclaimed publicly and insistently, can be punished under the anti-extremism law. 

Sounds terrifying....  as from   "1984" 

Edited April 5, 2017 by campanula