![]() ![]() It thus examined whether these searches were “necessary in a democratic society,” which involves determining whether there is a proportionate relationship between the aim sought to be achieved and the means employed. Since the searches were authorized by domestic courts, the ECHR proceeded on the assumption that the searches were lawful under domestic law. ![]() The applicants complained that the search and seizure were unlawful and violated their privacy rights, freedom of thought and expression, and the prohibition against discrimination under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (“the Convention”). Chavychalova, was found guilty of “unlawful possession of extremist material with the aim of mass distributing” punishable under Article 20.29 of the Code of Administrative Offences (CAO) and fined 1,500 Russian roubles. They seized religious literature, including Bibles, magazines and books, and other personal items, such as computers, video recordings, writing pads, and notebooks. Between 2010 to 2012, Russian courts authorized searches and inspections in the applicants’ flats because they may be involved in extremist activities and distribution of extremist literature as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The court jointly examined six cases against Russia wherein the applicants were individual Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kostomuksha local religious organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Officially it claims 8.5 million worshipers.Its religious activities are banned in some countries including Russia, China, and Vietnam and restricted in numerous Muslim-majority countries.The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Tuesday ruled that searches conducted by Russian authorities in flats and prayer halls of 14 Jehovah’s Witnesses more than ten years ago violated their fundamental rights to freedom of religion and liberty. However, they are best known for their practice of door-to-door preaching, avid distribution of literature and films, as well as refusing military service and blood transfusions.The group has been active since the 1870s, yet its worldwide fellowship is a matter of debate. They believe that the destruction of the present world system by Armageddon is imminent, and that the establishment of God's kingdom over the Earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity. Among others, they can’t force people to remain members, coerce them into lifelong commitment or ban interaction with non-members.Headquartered in Warwick, in the state of New York, Jehovah's Witnesses are a restorationist apocalyptic non-trinitarian offshoot from mainstream Christianity with numerous sect-like traits such as harsh discipline and the desire to exclude themselves from society. This has led to scandals, including the Catholic Church of Norway defrauding the state of millions of kroner in support by registering thousands of foreigners without permission.Groups that receive state subsidies have to abide by certain rules. Instead, religion is supported by taxpayers: the more members a congregation (or humanist organization) has, the more money it receives. However, although they can continue to practice their religion, they would no longer be able to receive state subsidies or ratify marriages.The State Administrator had already cut grants for Jehovah's Witnesses, for which the sect said it intended to sue.Norway has a national Church, but no longer a national religion. ![]() ![]() Furthermore, the government body argued that Jehovah's Witnesses violate the rights of children by encouraging members to isolate youngsters who don’t follow the religious community's rules.The State Administrator asked whether Jehovah’s Witnesses wanted to change their practices so that they would not lose their registration, but they indicated that they will not change.The loss of registration as a religious community does not ban the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses outright. The State Administrator argued that this violates members' rights to free expression and freedom of religion. Norwegian Jehovah's Witnesses have lost their status as a religious community, as the country's authorities have withdrawn their registration.The State Administrator made its decision because of the coercion practiced by Jehovah's Witnesses against community members who break religious rules. ![]()
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