Richard Oliver - "Was Paul not remaining neutral when he used the legal system of the Roman's not just to appeal his case but to appeal it to Ceasar. It is asking a government to abide by their own laws of freedom of religion and by the treaties that they are signatories to that require them to also provide freedom of religion. They are not running anyone for office to try and get it over thrown or any other political means. Using the court system is not a political act."
Paul was a Roman citizen and used his rights as such, to stand his case. In the case that we see now with JW's and Russia, it's definitely not comparable to what Paul did. A non-Russian person writing to the Russian government to tell them what to do, is not justifiable using Paul's example. They are not in the same legal position.
Moreover, asking the government to abide by their own laws, also means that they should abide by their anti-extremist laws. According to Russia law, JW are extremist. Taking a stand against it, is not asking the Russian government to listen to their own laws, but to change them. It's definitely political.
If not, why are JW's not protesting against abortion laws and all such laws?