I don't agree with this knee-jerk 'persecution makes the organization stronger' stuff. Why?
First of all, consider the huge increases in lands that persecuted Witnesses: they tend to come AFTER PERSECUTION IS LIFTED! What does that tell you about growth DURING persecution? Or rather, the lack of it?
Secondly, this is a different ball game - it isn't Russian Witnesses accused of working for the CIA or other such nonsense. They are accused of being extremists! Is anyone on this board going to assert that ISN'T TRUE? How do they 'beat the rap' here?
Answer: watch carefully and notice if they quietly compromise by limiting/rewriting literature and other discreet changes.
I have to laugh when I hear that government officials keep wearing them down by frequent court appearances. What a joke to see the same tactic used by Watchtower lawyers elsewhere used against them!
Finally, let's all continue to observe this situation together, even if we disagree. We might be pleasantly surprized by what the Watchtower might do, not to spare its Russian members but rather to protect its money and property.
metatron
