While I fully agree that torture purely over one's religious beliefs is morally wrong, there are factors in this whole story that Witnesses never conciser.
Firstly, Witnesses expect that the rule of law, operates globally and are shocked to learn when its not. Why? Its because they are totally ignorant about the world. Dictatorial governments thought all time, have always acted in this manner, which includes the violent suppression of decent. Additionally, while the torture is bad, there are actually far worse things being committed throughout the world, like the industrial level execution of people for organ harvesting or the legalized killing of children a week before their birth.
But secondly, Witnesses themselves (or more exactly the Governing Body) have fostered the situation that encourages violent action of totalitarian regimes, by developing the doctrine of non-compliance. Yes ... the spiritual warfare doctrine is well known by those in power, and the stubborn application of it by the ordinary Brother will only be rewarded by pain in countries like Russia.
Thirdly, Witnesses always think that its all about them. But no. Russia has banned and actively persecutes all religions and NGOs not directly tied back to the Russian government. The situation in Russia is not religious, its POLITICAL ... with all members of American religions in particular, being attached and having their assets confiscated. The LDS in Russia is another good example where peoples human rights are also being violated.
However lastly and rather sadly, the persecution Witnesses get anywhere in the world over their religious beliefs, is not more than what the Governing Body gives out to tens of thousands of people ever year, when disfellowshiping people for their beliefs and actions. And I too have lost good friends through suicide, after being crushed by that 'loving' arrangement.
So while I do feel for people who suffer needlessly, in this particular story ... the blame is not all one sided.
