Oryol Court, 2/6/19. Image courtesy of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Two days ago, Dennis Christensen, a Danish Jehovah’s Witness, was sentenced to six years in prison by a Russian Court for the “crime” of peacefully and faithfully living out his beliefs. This outrageous conviction of an innocent man is the most egregious recent example of Russia’s aggressive attacks against the internationally protected right of freedom of religion, conscience, and belief. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been targeted by the Russian government and their members have been branded as “extremists” simply for practicing their faith.

Lantos Foundation President, Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, issued the following statement:

“We call upon the Court of Appeals in Russia to overturn this disgraceful conviction and to release Dennis Christensen immediately. This entire prosecution was a travesty of justice from start to finish. Jehovah’s Witnesses are known the world over to be a peaceful, generous, and law-abiding community of believers and their persecution by the Russian state is outrageous. Russia must respect international law and protect the religious freedom rights of all its residents.”