Russian police arrest 18 Jehovahs Witnesses and children relaxing on a beach

[BibleSteve]

RUSSIA RELIGION NEWS

 

 

 

 

Police raid Jehovah's Witnesses' picnic in south of Russia

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES RELAXING ON BEACH IN NEFTEKUMSK TAKEN TO POLICE STATION

SOVA Center for News and Analysis, 29 August 2017

 

On 26 August 2017, 18 residents of Nevtekumsk [Stavropol territory]—members of the Jehovah's Witnesses congregation who were relaxing with their children on a lake bank—were arrested by police officers on suspicion of conducting illegal activity of a religious organization and were taken to the police department.

 

The police said that the operation began after an anonymous phone call in which they were told that "Jehovah's Witnesses are gathered at a river and they are prohibited."

 

The detainees—including children and retirees—were kept at the police department for more than three hours, answering questions about their attitude toward religion. Several noted in the record of the interrogation that "they experienced humiliating treatment on the part of the police." (tr. by PDS, posted 29 August 2017)

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[dove]

This worries me because my granddaughter and her husb and young daughter just went to Russia a few days ago and are spending the first week on the beach...not sure of exact location..

[On the huh]

Just outright persecution now.  What next, arrest us for breathing.

[Skyler]

My heart breaks for our brothers and sisters over in Russia, and worldwide. We have no doubt that this is Satan's pathetic system, but we are living in the last days when a group peaceful beings are arrested, while God knows what kind of injustice, crime, terrorism is currently happening under the Police's nose. They could be spending their time actually doing their job, instead of harassing innocent witnesses. They are truly pawns in Satan's hands, misguided by their false sense of righteousness. 

 

And yet, this is only the beginning, it will soon be our turn as well. 

[Qapla]

Th

35 minutes ago, lovejoypeace said:

We have no doubt that this is Satan's pathetic system, but we are living in the last days when a group peaceful beings are arrested, while God knows what kind of injustice, crime, terrorism is currently happening under the Police's nose.

 

Precisely why I would not go to Russia right now, anymore than I would go to Houston, Tx for a vacation right now.

 

3 hours ago, Dove said:

This worries me because my granddaughter and her husb and young daughter just went to Russia a few days ago and are spending the first week on the beach...not sure of exact location..

 

[Omoyeme]

1 hour ago, Jonathan77 said:

Just outright persecution now.  What next, arrest us for breathing.

 

Just for the mere fact of a "gathering of JW's", they will be subject to harassment or arrest.

Are you invited to a JW wedding in Russia? Forget that or you may be arrested!

Do you wish to go to a funeral of a beloved jw friend or family member? Well, enter that venue at your own risk! 

Having a party for jw children? (to create a pleasant distraction for the children during these difficult times)?  Forget that!

 

My heart breaks for them too. (But I'm not blinded by what's coming soon to this world.)

 

NB: This quote gives me pause:

Quote

The police said that the operation began after an anonymous phone call in which they were told that "Jehovah's Witnesses are gathered at a river and they are prohibited."

 

Answer me this:  What does one of Jehovah's Witnesses look like?  

Edited August 30, 2017 by Omoyeme

[Old]

As reported on https://www.jw-russia.org/news/17083012-210.html

On Saturday, August 26, 2017, 18 citizens who rested with children on the lake in the vicinity of Neftekumsk (Stavropol kr.), Were blocked by a detachment of armed police officers who arrived by bus and 5 cars. Lieutenant Colonel Ostrikov, who was in charge of the operation, said that "an anonymous call came that Jehovah's Witnesses had gathered on the river, and they were banned." Under the threat of using force, citizens were forced into the police bus and taken to the police station.

More than half of the detainees were children, elderly and disabled. Within 3 hours, the police interrogated them, asking questions about their attitude to religion, and the children were interrogated despite the disagreement of their parents, without explaining their rights and obligations. The children were frightened and crying. All without exception experienced a lot of stress. Some citizens noted in the interrogation protocol that they experienced degrading treatment by the police. In particular, it was expressed in the fact that citizens were loaded into a dirty bus inside, they were not allowed to use the phone, accompanied to the toilet under escort, allowed sarcastic remarks during interrogation.

It is noteworthy that within a few days before this event, the police walked around the houses of these citizens, trying to establish their place of work, occupation, etc. Despite the absence of any signs of unlawful actions, the police did not apologize to the citizens for the torn rest.

[Omoyeme]

2 minutes ago, Old said:

It is noteworthy that within a few days before this event, the police walked around the houses of these citizens, trying to establish their place of work, occupation, etc.

 

So, not only are they banned in Russia, but they are under constant state surveillance. 

[Qapla]

7 minutes ago, Old said:

Lieutenant Colonel Ostrikov, who was in charge of the operation, said that "an anonymous call came that Jehovah's Witnesses had gathered on the river, and they were banned."

 

It may not be that they are under constant State surveillance, it could be they have a "spy among them"

Edited August 30, 2017 by Qapla

[Omoyeme]

I understand Brother John but,...which is worse in their case?

[dove]

15 minutes ago, Qapla said:

 

 

Precisely why I would not go to Russia right now, anymore than I would go to Houston, Tx for a vacation right now.

 

 

As a tourist, yes it would be more dangerous, but they have many good friends among the brothers and sisters that they visit every year, and keep in touch with through the year, so they went directly to them and will be with them the whole time..still risky but whatever the brothers there suffer, they will be there to support them. The brothers and sisters there wait anxiously for their visit and it is as much encouragement for them as well. They go laden with gifts from friends and family here and it is a much anticipated time for all. My granddaughter is pretty good with the language now and works here with a Russian congregation in Service every week as a rp. I'm sure they will be included in all the prayers for our friends there...

[On the huh]

3 hours ago, Qapla said:

 

It may not be that they are under constant State surveillance, it could be they have a "spy among them"

Wouldn't be the first time either.  History repeating itself.

[dove]

7 hours ago, Dove said:

This worries me because my granddaughter and her husb and young daughter just went to Russia a few days ago and are spending the first week on the beach...not sure of exact location..

 

I emailed her and she said they heard about it and it was quite a ways down the river from where they were..

[tucker]

Luke 21:28 "But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near." This declaration was certainly given, loud and clear, at the Regional Convention. The world of mankind is shaking with fright, but Jehovah's people are very excited, even while enduring persecution. We all know that our present freedom can change overnight and we must build our faith while we can. Even in the United States we are experiencing changing attitudes from our neighbors. My DF daughters are now referring to the 'cult' that I belong to. Frank and I are also  experiencing hostility from our non-JW relatives. We recently studied about the opposition and outright persecution in the US during both world wars in the Kingdom book. We are so close to the tribulation that we need to concentrate all our efforts on clinging to Jehovah and not let up our guard. We   also   need to be aware of the subtle attacks that Satan and his minions can ply is with.

[stuagu]

We are so close

[Omoyeme]

Speaking of spying/surveillance, the Moscow authorities have developed an app in which anyone can report "sect" activities to the FSB! 

http://www.sova-center.ru/religion/news/harassment/discrimination/2017/11/d38376/

 

Quote

Moscow City Duma will launch a mobile application, through which you can complain about the "sect"
11/28/2012 - 17:28
On the initiative of the Moscow City Duma Commission, the application [called] "My Faith" was developed, with the help of which it is possible to find a religious object, "save yourself" from the "sect", and at the same time inform the "sect" of the law enforcement agencies.

On November 27, 2017, the chairman of the Moscow City Duma Commission for Public Associations and Religious Organizations, Anton Paleev, told reporters about the mobile application "My Faith", which is being developed at the Commission's initiative, and is scheduled to be launched before the end of 2017.

This appendix will contain information not only about religious sites, events and shops selling religious products, but also information about "sects" and ways to "protect yourself" from them.

 

"A person or his relatives who have fallen into a sect, now do not have to write statements, he can quickly send us information. There are agreements with law enforcement agencies and experts of the Ministry of Justice, they will process it, if something serious - automatically the information will come to the police , "A. Paleev said.

 

The name of the app itself is laughable.

Edited November 30, 2017 by Omoyeme

[digital_dreamer]

10 hours ago, Omoyeme said:

Speaking of spying/surveillance, the Moscow authorities have developed an app in which anyone can report "sect" activities to the FSB! 

http://www.sova-center.ru/religion/news/harassment/discrimination/2017/11/d38376/

 

 

The name of the app itself is laughable.

 

You’re not kidding.

 

How are you accessing the English version of this news? When I click to change to English, it takes me back to the home page. I’m not able to find that news article in English. 

[GeordieGirl]

9 minutes ago, digital_dreamer said:

You’re not kidding.

 

How are you accessing the English version of this news? When I click to change to English, it takes me back to the home page. I’m not able to find that news article in English. 

If you use Chrome you can set your pages to automatically translate whatever language you want.  Not sure how other browsers work for this.  Here is info in English: 

Moscow City Duma will launch a mobile application, through which you can complain about the "sect"

print version

11/28/2012 - 17:28

On the initiative of the Moscow City Duma Commission, the application "My Faith" was developed, with the help of which one can find a religious object, "save yourself" from the "sect", and at the same time inform the "sect" of the law enforcement bodies.

 

On November 27, 2017, the chairman of the Moscow City Duma Commission for Public Associations and Religious Organizations, Anton Paleev, told reporters about the mobile application "My Faith" being developed at the initiative of the commission, which is scheduled to be launched before the end of 2017.

This appendix will contain information not only about religious sites, events and shops selling religious products, but also information about "sects" and ways to "protect yourself" from them.

"A person or his relatives who have fallen into a sect, now do not have to write statements, he can quickly send us information. There are agreements with law enforcement agencies and experts of the Ministry of Justice, they will process it, if something serious - automatically the information will come to the police , "A. Paleev said.

[sunshine]

Illegal picnicing, no doubt some "concerned citizen" saw them close their eyes (illegally) and illegally say a silent prayer of thanks for their food.  Possibly there was illegal laughing, running after frizbies and of course illegal smiling.  So be it... Let them throw everything at us, fine.  There is not one incident that happens to a single one of us in the remostest region of the earth that escapes the notice of our God and his warrior king Jesus. 

 

They will have their day and then Jehovah will have his!!!

 

 

Edited December 1, 2017 by sunshine

[Allabord4Jah]

I LOVE THIS PICTURE, THE ARTIST GOT IT JUST RIGHT, JESUS LOOKING INTENTLY AT THE DESTRUCTION OF SATANIC, UNGODLY PEOPLE, NO WORRIES ON OUR END THAT SATAN AND DEMONS WILL BE HURLED, YES HURLED IN TO THAT ABSSY WAITING FOR THEM!!!  Indeed a very dangerous time for anyone to visit Russia.  WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND LOVE YOU, YOU DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE FORMER USSR.  

[ReadYourBible]

I love this picture and the other recently depicted where Jesus leads his angels and the 144,000 into battle.  I hate what they are doing to my brothers and sisters and I hate this system and all it stands for. I want to be patient, I want to wait for Jehovah but I am also crying out WHEN and how much longer will you make me witness this badness?  

 

I can imagine my grandchildren in the children above and how afraid they'd be, and it just makes my heart sick.

[Allabord4Jah]

Today I had my Circuit Assembly Do Not Give Up.  One of the talks by the C.O. said During the G.T. and right there and then at Armagadden, Jehovah alone will strike personally those who have mocked him and who have mocked his people.  His rage will be so great that even some of us may shake in fear, but we shouldn't be afraid, because Jehovah once and for all will wipe these monster like people off the face of the planet and then they will be NO MORE.   I thought that talk was stirring and faithbuidling!  

[jwhess]

3 hours ago, Allabord4Jah said:

Today I had my Circuit Assembly Do Not Give Up.  One of the talks by the C.O. said During the G.T. and right there and then at Armagadden, Jehovah alone will strike personally those who have mocked him and who have mocked his people.  

I realize it is a small point, but Jehovah does not take part in the battle.  I know God foretold Armageddon, I know He arranged the situation that leads to the battle, I know He has authorized the warfare, the battle is called the "Great Day of God Almighty" and appointed the King and Executioner (Jesus).  But God has given ALL authority in heaven and on earth to Jesus.  The Christ and King will "personally" do battle with his Father's opposers.  Technical detail, I know.

*** it-1 p. 1038 Har–magedon ***

Farther on, John says: “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army.” (Re 19:19) This chapter identifies the leader of the heavenly armies, seated on a white horse, as one who is called “Faithful and True” and “The Word of God.” (Re 19:11-13) Therefore, it is Jesus Christ, The Word, who acts as the commander of God’s heavenly armies. (Joh 1:1; Re 3:14) Further showing that Christ leads the heavenly forces is the statement that the earthly forces “battle with the Lamb [who is Jesus Christ (Joh 1:29)], but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.”—Re 17:13, 14.

 

*** w14 2/15 p. 7 par. 19 Hail Christ, the Glorious King! ***

After destroying Satan’s wicked system of things on earth, Christ ‘in his splendor’ will “go on to victory.” (Ps. 45:4) He will complete his conquest by abyssing Satan and his demons for the full length of the Thousand Year Reign.

 

*** my story 114 The End of All Badness ***

Jesus is the One who will take the lead in fighting this war at Armageddon. Remember, Jesus is the one Jehovah chose to be king of His government.

*** ws chap. 19 p. 154 par. 5 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” ***

…Jesus Christ. In the name of Jehovah, he and the heavenly armies of myriads of angels plunge into the battle, as if riding upon war horses.  The royal Field Marshal, Jesus Christ, leads the heavenly armies in a victorious charge against all the combined enemies at Armageddon.

 

[Allabord4Jah]

I know what your saying, but this CO in his feiry tone, said that God himself was going to make his name known, he said personally make his name known.   So he propbably was all fire up, but later in the program at the end of the last talk, he told the audience, about the new scrolls, and how these scrolls will be an introduction to the paradise, its new laws, and how to apply them.  First we have to learn the new scrolls ourselves and it will be done (according to his words) like we are trained now with the ministry school first.  Then when the people are resurrected, we will know what the new scolls tell us so we our prepared to tell others (teach them).  On my way back from the assembly, we talked about this, and we were wondering at some of those statements he made about the new scolls in the paradise.   We all agreed in the car group that we'll wait on the F&DS to have it in writing and tell us what the new scrolls may entail.  We did not want to speculate.   We left this up to Jehovah and Jesus Christ.