Opinions Adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at Its 105th Session, March 23–April 1, 2026
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has recognized the deprivation of liberty of 26 Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia as arbitrary, noting that they were persecuted for the peaceful practice of their religion, participation in meetings, and dissemination of their beliefs. The document emphasizes that the actions of the Russian authorities violated international guarantees of freedom, fair treatment, privacy, and non-discrimination, and identifies immediate release of the victims, compensation, and an independent investigation as the appropriate measures.