18/07/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 18 July, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service stressed that Jehovah's Witnesses, “like all other religious groups, must be able to peacefully enjoy freedom of assembly without interference”, in response to the Russian Supreme Court upholding its decision to ban the faith in the country, the day before. The Court upholds its decision of April 2017 to liquidate all legal entities of Jehovah's Witnesses, terminate their activity and confiscate their property, alleging “extremist activity” (see EUROPE 11773). This ban has already resulted in cases of criminal prosecutions against members, police raids on their prayer halls, arson attacks and other forms of harassment. The spokesperson reiterated that the freedom of assembly was guaranteed by the Russian Constitution and the country's international commitments. (CG)