Chairman Wicker Decries Russian Ban of Jehovah's Witnesses

WASHINGTON—Following yesterday's decision by the Russian Supreme Court to declare Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia an "extremist organization," Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following statement:

"Russia's failure to respect religious freedom is yet another inexcusable violation of Moscow's OSCE commitments. People who practice their faith peacefully should never be in danger of being harassed, fined, or jailed. The court order to seize organization property owned by Jehovah's Witnesses adds insult to injury. I am hopeful that this case will be appealed to the European Court of Human Rights."