SUPREME COURT BANS JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday banned Jehovah’s Witnesses from operating anywhere in the country, accepting a request from the justice ministry that the religious organization be considered an extremist group.

The court ordered the closure of the group’s Russian headquarters and its 395 local chapters, as well as the seizure of its property. The Interfax news agency on Thursday quoted Justice Ministry attorney Svetlana Borisova in court as saying that Jehovah’s Witnesses pose a threat to Russians. Borisova also said Jehovah’s Witnesses’ opposition to blood transfusions violates Russian health care laws.

A spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia said they are “greatly disappointed and plan to appeal the ruling.