On Thursday, October 8, during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, US Permanent Representative to the OSCE James Gilmore condemned the detention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sevastopol. He stressed that the Russian Federation must put an end to the systematic repression in Crimea.
“Four people were arrested on charges of “extremism” just because they professed their faith. This reflects very badly on Russia's attitude towards people in Europe. This is a constant problem. We reaffirm that people have the right to freedom of religion and call on Russia to stop a senseless campaign against Jehovah's Witnesses who pose no danger or harm to the occupying authorities or anyone else”,-he said.
Gilmore stressed that Russia must end the systematic repression in Crimea and release all Ukrainian political prisoners.
Let us remind you that on October 1, Russian security forces searched at least 9 dwellings of Crimeans in Sevastopol suspected of participating in the Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization banned in Russia. As a result, 4 people were detained. Ievhen Zhukov, Volodymyr Sakada and Volodymyr Maladyka were arrested until November 30, Ihor Shmiedt – until November 23. The detainees are charged under Part 1, Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (organization of the activities of an extremist organization).