Russia - JWs Counterclaim

by Listener 7 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Listener

  The Witnesses lodged a counterclaim against their lawsuit on the 30 March, 2017.
  
  Their argument is that the actions of the Ministry of Justice against them are 'political repressions'.
  
  The following link states "In the lawsuit numerous instances are cited testifying to the fact that prosecution of Jehovah's Witnesses is politically motivated."
  
  http://www2.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews/170402a.html
  

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  It is a contradiction to what they have written in their "Political Neutrality' leaflet which states
  
  

  Jehovah’s Witnesses do not involve themselves in political issues or governmental affairs. They have no interest in attempting to influence governmental authorities. (John 15: 18; 17:14, 16) As a result of their spiritual values, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not involve themselves in lobbying, civil disobedience, or movements to seize power or bring about changes in governments or laws. The Witnesses’ simple stand of nonparticipation in political issues makes them exemplary, peace-loving citizens from whom governmental authorities have nothing to fear.

  This also means that by asking all JWs to involve themselves in this legal issue by writing letters, individuals have also become politically involved.
  
  
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  cobweb

  Yeah I could see the letter writing campaign as lobbying but to be fair, I can't see they have done anything hypocritical beyond that. They are counterclaiming on a point of law which already exists and requests that it is adhered to.

  The actions of the Ministry of Justice possess the indicators of political repressions, from the point of view of Russian and international law. They violate articles 18, 9, and 6 of the Convention on Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties.
  
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  Drearyweather

  I'm not sure if I'm right. Political neutrality cannot equate to gullibility or being a silent victim of repression.

  I feel there is a difference between appealing against a law and appealing against the misapplication of a law that would potentially criminalize someone just for practicing their beliefs.

  If I pay taxes to the government, I am entitled to basic civil rights. Paying taxes to the government does not mean i'm getting politically involved with the government, same way, fighting for gaining basic civic liberties does not mean political involvement. At least what I feel.
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  venus

  Drearyweather,

  Just like JWs feel it is right to shun those who disagree with them [which JW leadership are not willing to negotiate under any circumstance], a government too can feel it is right to shun those who disagree with it.
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  venus

  Russian Supreme Court refuses to declare Jehovah's Witnesses victims of repressions

  http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20170405/278171927.html
  
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  Drearyweather

  Venus,

  The difference over here is that government is criminalising JWs , not shunning them.
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  OUTLAW

  Jehovah’s Witnesses do not involve themselves in lobbying, civil disobedience, or movements to seize power or bring about changes in governments or laws.

  .....
  

  Yeah I could see the letter writing campaign as lobbying.....cobweb

  Meh..

  The Russian Government Will Never Notice..

  ............
  

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  Island Man

  Apart from the issue of political neutrality, JWs have also stated that being "no part of the world" means not meddling in the social and other controversies. Well isn't the Russian govts' crackdown on religious extremism a controversy of sorts? Aren't JWs involving themselves in this controversy by writing Russian govt. officials on the issue?