Update for Russia’s Supreme Court case against religious organisation

On April 5, 2017, the case involving Russia's request to label Jehovah's Witness as an 'extremist organisation' was taken to the Supreme Court.

Since then, there has been four days of hearings. On the second day, the  representative of the Ministry of Justice was asked to produce proof that the church is indeed extremist.

He was unable to provide any evidence to support their claims. However, when asked this question, "If you are asking for Jehovah's Witnesses to be banned, does this mean that the faithful who gather for prayer would be under the threat of criminal prosecution?"

The representative quickly supplied an answer saying, "Yes, if the court finds them guilty of violating Art. 282.2 of the Russian criminal code."

ALSO READ: Court hearing begins for Russia’s high-profile case against Jehovah's Witnesses

Reacting to the second day in the court, David A. Semonian, a spokesman at the Witnesses’ world headquarters in New York, said: “It was clear by today’s proceedings that the Ministry of Justice has no basis for their claims against our organization.”

"But we also note the Ministry of Justice's admission. We hope that the Supreme Court upholds justice and prevents this violation of our basic human rights."

The next day, four members of Jehovah's Witnesses gave their testimonies, all arguing against the Ministry of Justice's claim.

Day four of hearings saw more arguments from the attorneys for Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a cross-examination the Ministry of Justice's attorneys.

Just like day two, the attorneys for the Ministry of Justice were unable to provide any evidence to support their case before a recess was announced.

The case resumes on Wednesday, April 19th with a review of the case materials.

What do you think? Should Jehovah's Witness be labelled as 'extremist organisation?'