In Czechoslovakia, JW had to face prison or labor camps for refusing to join military service. Later period under communism, the other option was going to coal mines, which was my choice as well. At that time hundreds of young men avoided draft and potential prison by going to Ostrava's coal mines. After the collapse of the communism in the 1989, JW got option to avoid military service by doing alternative civic service, mostly in hospitals, hospice center, and EMP. Borg had approved it and it seemed to be no issue. Couple years later after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, came a new light that invalidated previous approval. Organization had DFs retroactively men that were already in alternative civic service and ruined life of thousands more who had to choose between prison and faith. By 1996, WT in Czech Republic had expelled over 1000 JW men, which were crucial for further growth in that country, that peaked around 12000. A new light changed the opinion again, and JW in Czech Republic were not facing DF if they go to alternative civic service. However, the damage was done and WT had never recovered from the peak it had in early 1990's where on memorial we could invite up to 40,000 people and fill stadium at Strahov to 115,000. Flip-flopping doctrine like this had ruined many lives including mine.
