Bí àpẹẹrẹ, àwọn èèyàn ń dáná sun ilé wọn, iṣẹ́ ń bọ́ lọ́wọ́ wọn, wọ́n ń halẹ̀ mọ́ àwọn ọmọ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà níléèwé, wọ́n sì ń fẹ̀sùn kan àwọn alàgbà ìjọ pé wọ́n ń ṣètò ìpàdé pẹ̀lú àwọn ará wọn, arákùnrin Dennis Christensen wà lára àwọn alàgbà yìí, ó ṣì wà látìmọ́lé di báyìí.


A number of ambassadors were visibly moved by a two-minute video that summarized these events.


Àwọn aṣojú náà fi fídíò oníṣẹ̀ẹ́jú méjì kan tó ṣàlàyé ọ̀rọ̀ yìí ní ṣókí han àwọn aṣojú ìjọba.


The most common question asked by officials was, ‘Why Jehovah’s Witnesses?’


Ìbéèrè tí ọ̀pọ̀ nínú àwọn aláṣẹ náà ń béèrè ni pé, ‘Ó ṣe wá jẹ́ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà?’


In answer, our brothers gave a powerful witness by explaining that individuals of our organization are politically neutral and our preaching activity has positively changed the lives of many Russians.


Àwọn ará wa wá fìyẹn jẹ́rìí lọ́nà tó wọni lọ́kàn, wọ́n ṣàlàyé pé àwọn ará wa kì í dá sí òṣèlú, iṣẹ́ ìwàásù tá à ń ṣe sì ti yí ìgbésí ayé ọ̀pọ̀ nínú àwọn ọmọ ilẹ́ Rọ́ṣíà pa dà sí rere.


One ambassador responded: “The Orthodox Church does not like you fishing in their waters.”


Aṣojú kan sọ pé: “Ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì Ọ́tọ́dọ́ọ̀sì fẹ́ kẹ́ ẹ wá ọmọlẹ́yìn tiyín síwájú ni, wọn ò fẹ́ kẹ́ ẹ gba àwọn ọmọ ìjọ wọn.”


More than ten embassies sent representatives to the court hearing and stayed for the entire 8-hour duration.


Ó lé ní mẹ́wàá nínú àwọn aṣojú ìjọba náà tó rán aṣojú lọ sílé ẹjọ́ kí wọ́n lè wà níbi ìgbẹ́jọ́ náà, wọn ò sì kúrò níbẹ̀ jálẹ̀ wákàtí mẹ́jọ tí ilé ẹjọ́ fi gbọ́ ẹjọ́ náà.


The international delegation of brothers left Russia with their faith strengthened, heartened by their Russian brothers’ determination to remain loyal and the opportunity to give an effective witness to officials.


Nígbà tí àwọn arákùnrin káàkiri ayé tó wá sí Rọ́ṣíà fi máa kúrò níbẹ̀, ìgbàgbọ́ wọn ti lágbára sí i, bí àwọn ará wọn ní Rọ́ṣíà ṣe pinnu pé àwọn ò ní fi Jèhófà sílẹ̀ gbé wọn ró gan-an, inú wọn sì dùn pé àwọn láǹfààní láti jẹ́rìí fáwọn aláṣẹ lọ́nà tó gbéṣẹ́.


Media Contact:


Office of Public Information


Ọ́fíìsì Agbéròyìnjáde


"""Two of the brothers recently placed under house arrest with their attorneys. Pictured from left to right: attorney Vitaly Svintsov, Vladimir Kochnev, Aleksandr Suvorov, and attorney Egiazar Chernikov."


"""Méjì lára àwọn arákùnrin tí wọn ò jẹ́ kí wọ́n jáde nílé rèé pẹ̀lú àwọn agbẹjọ́rò wọn. Láti ọwọ́ òsì sí ọ̀tún: agbẹjọ́rò Vitaly Svintsov, Vladimir Kochnev, Aleksandr Suvorov àti agbẹjọ́rò Egiazar Chernikov."


On August 3, 2018, Judge Inna Yangubayeva of the Leninsky District Court of Orenburg, Russia, ruled to place Brothers Vladimir Kochnev and Aleksandr Suvorov under house arrest after they had each been imprisoned for 78 days.


Ní August 3, 2018, Adájọ́ Inna Yangubayeva tó wà ní Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Leninsky ti ìlú Orenburg, lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́síà, dájọ́ pé kí wọ́n má jẹ́ kí Arákùnrin Vladimir Kochnev àti Arákùnrin Aleksandr Suvorov jáde nílé wọn mọ́, bẹ́ẹ̀ ọ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan àwọn arákùnrin yìí ti lo ọjọ́ méjìdínlọ́gọ́rin (78) lẹ́wọ̀n.


On that same day at the Magadan Regional Court, Brother Konstantin Petrov was also placed under house arrest after being imprisoned for 64 days.


Lọ́jọ́ kan náà, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Magadan ní kí wọ́n má jẹ́ kí Arákùnrin Konstantin Petrov jáde nílé mọ́, bẹ́ẹ̀ òun náà ti lo ọjọ́ mẹ́rìnlélọ́gọ́ta (64) látìmọ́lé.


While we are thankful that our three brothers are no longer imprisoned, their trials are still pending, and if convicted, they could be sentenced for up to ten years in prison.


A dúpẹ́ pé àwọn ará wa mẹ́tẹ̀ẹ̀ta yìí ò sí lẹ́wọ̀n mọ́, àmọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn ò tíì parí, tí wọ́n bá sì dá wọn lẹ́bi, wọ́n lè rán wọn lọ́ sẹ́wọ̀n nǹkan bí ọdún mẹ́wàá.


As of August 16, there are 9 Witnesses under house arrest and 25 imprisoned throughout Russia.


Títi di August 16, àwọn ará wa mẹ́sàn-án ni wọn ò jẹ́ kí wọ́n jáde nílé mọ́, àwọn mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (25) sì wà lẹ́wọ̀n káàkiri ilẹ̀ Rọ́ṣíà.


Another 30 brothers and sisters have been made to sign a document preventing them from leaving their hometowns without obtaining permission from local authorities.


Àwọn ọgbọ̀n (30) míì tún wà lára àwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin tí wọ́n ti mú kí wọ́n tọwọ́ bọ̀wé pé wọn ò gbọ́dọ̀ jáde nílé wọn láìgba àyè lọ́dọ̀ àwọn aláṣẹ ìlú.


"We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who are facing formidable circumstances in Russia.—2 Corinthians 1:11."""


"Ẹ jẹ́ ká máa gbàdúrà fún àwọn ará wa tó ń kojú wàhálà tó bani lẹ́rù yìí nílẹ̀ Rọ́ṣíà.—2 Kọ́ríńtì 1:11."""


"""On May 23, 2019, a three-judge panel of the Oryol Regional Court denied Dennis Christensen’s appeal and upheld the six-year prison sentence he previously received."


"""Ní May 23, 2019, àwọn adájọ́ mẹ́ta ní Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Oryol dá Dennis Christensen lẹ́bi nínú ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tó pè torí bí ilé ẹjọ́ kan ṣe rán an lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà. Nǹkan bí ọgọ́rin (80) àwọn ará ló wá síbi ìgbẹ́jọ́ náà."


About 80 of our brothers and sisters attended the court proceedings.


Àwọn aṣojú láti orílẹ̀-èdè Ọsirélíà àti Denmark náà wà níbẹ̀.


Officials from Australia and Denmark were also present.


Àwọn ilé iṣé tó ń gbéròyìn jáde kárí ayé sì ti ń sọ̀rọ̀ nípa ìdájọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe yìí.


The results of this case are already being reported on by international media outlets.


Oṣù February ni ilé ẹjọ́ rán Arákùnrin Christensen lẹ́wọ̀n.


Over the past three months since Brother Christensen’s original sentencing in February, there have been 115 home raids and three times as many criminal cases initiated against Jehovah’s Witnesses compared to the previous three months.


Lááàrín oṣù mẹ́ta tó kọjá yìí, ìgbà márùndínlọ́gọ́fà (115) làwọn aláṣẹ ya wọ ilé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, kódà iye ìgbà tí wọ́n fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kàn wọ́n ti fi ìlọ́po mẹ́ta pọ̀ sí i tá a bá fi wé ti oṣù mẹ́ta tó ṣáájú.


Our prayers are with Brother Christensen and all of our fellow believers in Russia.


À ń rántí Arákùnrin Christensen àtàwọn ará wa ní Rọ́ṣíà nínú àdúrà.


"We are confident that Jehovah “is near to all those calling on him” and will continue to help our brothers remain resolute in the face of persecution—Psalm 145:18."""


"Ó dá wa lójú pé Jèhófà “wà nítòsí gbogbo àwọn tó ń ké pè é,” kò sì ní yéé ran àwọn ará wa lọ́wọ́ kí wọ́n lè dúró láìyẹhùn lójú inúnibíní—Sáàmù 145:18."""


"""Brother Boris Burylov, aged 78, faces “extremism” charges in the city of Perm’"


"""Arákùnrin Boris Burylov, ẹni ọdún méjìdínlọ́gọ́rin (78) tí wọ́n fẹ̀sùn kàn pé ó jẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn ní ìlú Perm’"


In May 2019, authorities from the Arkhangel’sk and Volgograd regions of Russia opened criminal cases against two of our elderly sisters.


Ní May 2019, àwọn aláṣẹ agbègbè Arkhangel’sk àti Volgograd lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kan arábìnrin wa méjì tó jẹ́ àgbàlagbà.


Sister Kaleriya Mamykina, shown above, and Sister Valentina Makhmadgaeva, 78 and 71 years old respectively, are being investigated for “extremist” activity simply for being Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Ìwádìí ń lọ lọ́wọ́ lórí Arábìnrin Kaleriya Mamykina, ẹni ọdún méjìdínlọ́gọ́rin (78) tí àwòrán rẹ̀ wà lókè àti Arábìnrin Valentina Makhmadgaeva, ẹni ọdún mọ́kànléláàádọ́rin (71), wọ́n fẹ̀sùn kàn wọ́n pé wọ́n jẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn torí pé Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni wọ́n.


In April 2018, authorities in the city of Vladivostok brought criminal charges against 84-year-old Sister Yelena Zayshchuk, along with four other Witnesses.


Ní April 2018, àwọn aláṣẹ ìlú Vladivostok fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kan Arábìnrin Yelena Zayshchukbrought, ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìnlélọ́gọ́rin (84) pẹ̀lú àwọn mẹ́rin míì tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


There are now a total of ten brothers and sisters over the age of 70 facing criminal prosecution in Russia for their peaceful worship.


Ní báyìí mẹ́wàá nínú àwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin tí wọ́n ti lé lẹ́ni àádọ́rin (70) ọdún ló ń jẹ́jọ́ lórí ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn torí pé wọ́n ń jọ́sìn Ọlọ́run láìda ẹnikẹ́ni láàmú lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́síà.


Although none of these older ones are in detention, the situation is no doubt extremely stressful for them.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé kò sí ìkankan nínú wọn látìmọ́lé, kò rọrùn fún wọn rárá torí ara tó ti ń dara àgbà.


If the investigations continue and the courts find them guilty, they could face heavy fines or imprisonment.


Tí ìwádìí náà bá ṣì ń bá a lọ, tí ilé ẹjọ́ sì dá wọn lẹ́bi, wọ́n lè bu owó ìtánràn lù wọ́n tàbí kí wọ́n rán wọn lẹ́wọ̀n.


As of June 17, 2019, the number of our brothers facing unjustified criminal charges has reached 215.


Títí di June 17, 2019, iye àwọn ará wa tí wọ́n ń jẹ́jọ́ lórí ẹ̀sùn èké ìwà ọdaràn tí wọ́n fi kàn wọ́n jẹ́ igba ó lé mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dógún (215).


That figure is still increasing.


Ńṣe ni iye wọn sì ń pọ̀ sí i.


May we keep all of our brothers and sisters in Russia in our prayers, at times specifically mentioning them by name.


Ẹ jẹ́ ká máa rántí gbogbo àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́síà nínú àdúrà wa, ká sì máa dárúkọ wọn ní pàtó.


"We are confident that Jehovah will continue to strengthen them “with all power according to his glorious might” so that they “may endure fully with patience and joy.”—Colossians 1:11."""


"Ó dá wa lójú pé Jèhófà á máa mú kí ‘agbára rẹ̀ ológo fún wọn ní gbogbo agbára tí wọ́n nílò, kí wọ́n lè fara dà á ní kíkún pẹ̀lú sùúrù àti ìdùnnú.’—Kólósè 1:11."""


"""On March 25, 2020, the Penza Regional Court overturned the conviction of Brothers Vladimir Alushkin, Vladimir Kulyasov, Andrey Magliv, and Denis Timoshin, as well as Sisters Tatyana Alushkina and Galiya Olkhova."


"""Ní March 25, 2020, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tó wà nílùú Penza fagi lé ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ kan ṣe níbi ìgbẹ́jọ́ Arákùnrin Vladimir Alushkin, Vladimir Kulyasov, Andrey Magliv àti Arákùnrin Denis Timoshin pa pọ̀ pẹ̀lú Arábìnrin Tatyana Alushkina àti Galiya Olkhova."


Their cases will be sent for retrial.


Torí náà, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Kòtẹ́milọ́rùn dá ẹjọ́ náà pa dà sí ilé ẹjọ́ àkọ́kọ́ pé kí wọ́n tún ẹjọ́ náà gbọ́.


As a result of winning the appeal, Brother Alushkin will be released from prison in the coming days.


Bọ́rọ̀ ṣe rí yìí, ó ṣe kedere pé lọ́jọ́ mélòó kan sí i, wọ́n máa dá Arákùnrin Alushkin sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n.


"He and the others will remain under travel and other restrictions as they await retrial."""


"Àmọ́ títí dìgbà tí wọ́n máa tún ẹjọ́ náà gbọ́, òun àtàwọn yòókù rẹ̀ kò ní lè rìnrìn-àjò, wọ́n sì tún máa fi àwọn ẹ̀tọ́ kan dù wọ́n."""


"""The case against Dennis Christensen, held at the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court of Oryol, has concluded, and the judge has scheduled the verdict to be issued on Wednesday, February 6, 2019."


"""Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Zheleznodorozhniy tó wà ní ìlú Oryol ti parí gbígbọ́ ẹjọ́ Dennis Christensen, adájọ́ sì máa sọ ìdájọ́ rẹ̀ ní Wednesday, February 6, 2019."


Brother Christensen has been detained since his arrest on May 25, 2017. His criminal trial began on February 19, 2018.


Àtìgbà tí wọ́n ti mú Arákùnrin Christensen ní May 25, 2017 ló ti wà látìmọ́lé. Wọ́n bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í gbọ́ ẹjọ́ ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kàn án ní February 19, 2018.


If convicted, the prosecution has requested that Brother Christensen be imprisoned for six and a half years.


Tí ilé ẹjọ́ bá dá Arákùnrin Christensen lẹ́bi, àwọn tó fẹ̀sùn kàn án ti sọ pé kí wọ́n rán an lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà àtààbọ̀.


"Despite being imprisoned for over 20 months, Brother Christensen has remained in good spirits, fully trusting in Jehovah and grateful for the prayers of the worldwide brotherhood.—2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2."""


"Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ó ti lé ní ogún (20) oṣù tí Arákùnrin Christensen ti wà lẹ́wọ̀n, kò bọkàn jẹ́, ó gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé Jèhófà ó sì mọyì àdúrà táwọn ará kárí ayé ń gbà fún òun.—2 Tẹsalóníkà 3:1, 2."""


"""On February 6, 2019, a Russian court announced that Dennis Christensen is guilty of “organizing the activity of an extremist organization.”"


"""Ní February 6, 2019, ilé ẹjọ́ kan lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà dá Dennis Christensen lẹ́bi pé ó “ń ṣètò iṣẹ́ àjọ àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.”"


He has been sentenced to six years in prison.


Wọ́n sì rán an lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà.


The unjust verdict, which has already received international attention, will be appealed.


Àwọn oníròyìn láwọn ilẹ̀ míì ti sọ̀rọ̀ nípa ẹjọ́ tí kò tọ́ yìí, a sì máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn.


"We will pray for Dennis Christensen and his wife, Irina, and our many brothers and sisters in Russia as they continue to ‘keep calm and show trust’ in Jehovah.—Isaiah 30:15."""


"A ò ní dákẹ́ àdúrà fún Dennis Christensen àti ìyàwó rẹ̀, Irina pẹ̀lú ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́ṣíà bí wọ́n ṣe ‘fara balẹ̀, tí wọ́n sì gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé’ Jèhófà.—Àìsáyà 30:15."""


On June 23, 2020, the Lgovskiy District Court in the Kursk Region granted Brother Dennis Christensen early release.


Ní June 23, 2020, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Lgovskiy tó wà ní Kursk dá Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen sílẹ̀ kí ọdún tí wọ́n ní kó lò lẹ́wọ̀n tó pé.


At the prosecution’s request, the judge mitigated the remainder of Brother Christensen’s sentence to a fine of 400,000 rubles ($5,759 U.S.).


Àwọn tó pe ẹjọ́ náà ní kí adájọ́ gba owó ìtanràn lọ́wọ́ Arákùnrin Christensen dípò ọdún tó kù tó yẹ kó lò lẹ́wọ̀n, adájọ́ wá ní kó san nǹkan bíi mílíọ̀nù méjì ààbọ̀ náírà (ìyẹn $5,759 owó Dọ́là).


The decision will take effect in ten days, after which he will be able to go home to his wife, family, and fellow worshippers.


Ẹ̀yìn ọjọ́ mẹ́wàá tí wọ́n kéde ìdájọ́ yìí ni Arákùnrin Christensen tó máa làǹfààní láti lọ bá ìyàwó rẹ̀, àwọn mọ̀lẹ́bí àtàwọn míì tí wọ́n jọ ń sin Jèhófà.


All praise goes to Jehovah!


A dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ Jèhófà fún àṣeyọrí yìí!


On February 18, 2020, the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court in Khabarovsk, Russia, convicted Brother Yevgeniy Aksenov and gave him a two-year suspended prison sentence.


Ní February 18, 2020, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Zheleznodorozhniy District Court tó wà ní ìlú Khabarovsk lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà kéde pé Arákùnrin Yevgeniy Aksenov jẹ̀bi, wọ́n sì dájọ́ ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún méjì fún un.


If during those two years, Brother Aksenov changes his place of residence or is found guilty of any criminal activity, he will be sent to prison.


Lóòótọ́ kò ní lọ sẹ́wọ̀n báyìí, àmọ́ ṣe ni wọ́n á máa ṣọ́ ọ lọ́wọ́-lẹ́sẹ̀. Tí Arákùnrin Aksenov bá kó kúrò níbi tó ń gbé, tàbí tó jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn èyíkéyìí míì láàárín ọdún méjì náà, wọ́n máa fi sẹ́wọ̀n.


For the first six months of his term, he is on probation and must register with the local authorities monthly.


Fún oṣù mẹ́fà àkọ́kọ́, wọ́n á máa ṣọ́ ọ bóyá ó ń tẹ̀ lé ìtọ́ni ilé-ẹjọ́, á sì máa fara han àwọn aláṣẹ agbègbè náà lóṣooṣù.


Additionally, for the duration of his probation, he cannot travel outside of his home city of Khabarovsk and he is not allowed to leave his home in the evenings. Brother Aksenov will appeal his conviction.


Ní àfikún, ní àkókò tó fi wà lábẹ́ ìkálọ́wọ́kò náà, kò gbọdọ̀ jáde kúrò ní Khabarovsk tó jẹ́ ìlú ẹ̀, kò sì gbọdọ̀ jáde kúrò nínú ilé ẹ̀ lálẹ́. Arákùnrin Aksenov máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ìdájọ́ yìí.


"""Just nine days after Dennis Christensen was unjustly convicted in a Russian court, at least seven of Jehovah’s Witnesses were subjected to physical abuse—electric shocks, suffocation, and beatings—by Russian investigators in the western Siberian city of Surgut."


"""Ọjọ́ mẹ́sàn-án péré lẹ́yìn tí wọ́n dá Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen lẹ́bi nílé ẹjọ́ kan ní Rọ́ṣíà, ó kéré tán àwọn méje míì lára àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni àwọn agbófinró nílùú Surgut lágbègbè Siberia ti mú, tí wọ́n sì dá lóró."


While torturing our brothers, the officers demanded to know the locations of their meetings and the identity of other Witnesses.


Bí wọ́n ṣe ń dá àwọn ará wa yìí lóró, bẹ́ẹ̀ làwọn agbófinró yẹn ń halẹ̀ mọ́ wọn pé kí wọ́n sọ ibi tí wọ́n ti ń pàdé pọ̀ àti orúkọ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí míì.


The incident began when authorities in Surgut carried out raids in the early morning hours of February 15, 2019.


Ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ yìí wáyé ní àárọ̀ February 15, 2019 nígbà táwọn agbófinró fọ́n sígboro, tí wọ́n sì ń mú àwọn ará wa nílé wọn.


After arresting some Witnesses and taking them to the Investigative Committee offices.


Wọ́n kó wọn lọ sí ọ́fíìsì Ìgbìmọ̀ Tó Ń Ṣèwádìí, wọ́n sì bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í fọ̀rọ̀ wá wọn lẹ́nu wò.


The authorities began interrogating our brothers, who refused to disclose details about their fellow worshippers.


Nígbà táwọn agbófinró náà rí i pé amòfin kan ṣoṣo tó wà níbẹ̀ ti lọ, ṣe ni wọ́n bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí dá àwọn ará wa lóró, tí wọ́n sì ṣe wọ́n bí ọṣẹ ṣe ń ṣojú.


After the only legal representative present left, the victims report that the following occurred: agents put a bag over their head and sealed it with tape, tied their hands behind their back, and beat them.


Àwọn ará sọ ohun tí wọ́n ṣe fún wọn, wọ́n ní: àwọn agbófinró fi ọ̀rá bo ojú àwọn, wọ́n sì fi téèpù so ó pa, lẹ́yìn náà wọ́n so ọwọ́ wọn sẹ́yìn, wọ́n sì lù wọ́n nílùkulù.


After stripping the Witnesses naked and dousing them with water, the agents shocked them with stun guns.


Nígbà tó yá, wọ́n bọ́ wọn sí ìhòòhò, wọ́n yí omi dà sí wọn lára, wọ́n wá fi iná mànàmáná gbé wọn.


This sadistic torture lasted for about two hours.


Ó dunni gan-an pé nǹkan bíi wákàtí méjì gbáko ni wọ́n fi hùwà ìkà burúkú yìí sáwọn ará wa.


At least three Witnesses are still imprisoned.


Ó kéré tán, mẹ́ta nínú àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí yìí ṣì wà lẹ́wọ̀n.


Those who have been released sought medical attention for their injuries and filed complaints with supervisory agencies.


Àwọn tí wọ́n dá sílẹ̀ ti lọ sílé ìwòsàn torí pé wọ́n ṣèṣe gan-an. Wọ́n sì ti gbé ọ̀rọ̀ náà lọ sọ́dọ̀ àwọn àjọ tó ń jà fún ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn.


Additionally, after the mass searches were completed, the Russian authorities initiated criminal cases against a total of 19 Witnesses for so-called “participating in extremist activity” and “organizing an extremist organization.”


Ó yani lẹ́nu pé lẹ́yìn táwọn agbófinró ti fojú àwọn ará wa rí màbo, wọ́n tún wá fẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn kan àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí mọ́kàndínlógún (19), wọ́n sọ pé wọ́n ń “dara pọ̀ mọ́ àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn,” àti pé wọ́n ń “ṣagbátẹrù àjọ tó ń ṣètìlẹ́yìn fáwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.”


Such an egregious abuse of authority is punishable under the Russian Criminal Code.


Lábẹ́ òfin ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà, wọ́n máa ń fìyà jẹ ẹni tó bá lo àṣẹ tó ní láti dá ẹlòmíì lóró.


Additionally, the Russian Federation is subject to several international bodies that protect individuals from torture.


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, ó yẹ kí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà tẹ̀ lé òfin tí àwọn àjọ àgbáyé gbé kalẹ̀ tó sọ pé kò yẹ kí ẹnikẹ́ni máa fi àṣẹ ìjọba dáni lóró.


Therefore, we will pursue all available legal remedies, both domestic and international, for this crime.


Torí náà, a máa lo gbogbo ẹ̀tọ́ tá a ní láti gbé ọ̀rọ̀ yìí lọ sí ilé ẹjọ́ ní Rọ́ṣíà, àá sì gbé e lọ sáwọn àjọ àgbáyé míì ká lè rí i dájú pé wọ́n dá ẹjọ́ àwọn ará wa bó ṣe tọ́.


"Ultimately, we know that Jehovah has seen the persecution of our brothers in Russia and will act as their ‘helper and rescuer.’—Psalm 70:5."""


"Lékè gbogbo ẹ̀, a mọ̀ pé Jèhófà ń rí bí wọ́n ṣe ń fojú pọ́n àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́ṣíà, ó sì máa gbé ìgbésẹ̀ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ‘olùrànlọ́wọ́ àti olùgbàlà wọn.’—Sáàmù 70:5."""


"""On Thursday, May 3, 2018, the Saint Petersburg City Court upheld the original December 2017 decision, allowing the Russian government to immediately confiscate our former Russia branch facilities in Solnechnoye."


"""Ní Thursday, May 3, 2018, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Saint Petersburg fọwọ́ sí ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ ti kọ́kọ́ ṣe ní December 2017, wọ́n ní ẹsẹ̀kẹsẹ̀ ni kí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa àtijọ́ tó wà ní Solnechnoye lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà."


Although we cannot stop Russia from seizing the property, today’s ruling is part of an application that is already being considered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé a ò lè dá ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà dúró kí wọ́n má gba ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù ti gbọ́ sí ẹjọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ dá fún wa lónìí, wọ́n sì ti ń gbé e yẹ̀ wò.


The ECHR has communicated to the Russian government that our application is being considered as a matter of priority.


Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti kàn sí ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà pé ẹjọ́ wa wà lára ẹjọ́ táwọn kọ́kọ́ ń fún láfiyèsí.


"We keep in expectation of Jehovah, the God of all justice, to correct matters in his own due time.—Isaiah 30:18."""


"Ojú Jèhófà, Ọlọ́run tó máa ń dá gbogbo ẹjọ́ bó ṣe tọ́ là ń wò báyìí. A retí pé tó bá tó àkókò lójú ẹ̀, ó máa yanjú ọ̀rọ̀ náà.—Aísáyà 30:18."""


"""A United Nations (UN) panel of human rights experts has issued a 15-page opinion concluding that Russia violated international law by arresting and detaining 18 Jehovah’s Witnesses in different cities from May 2018 to July 2019. Ultimately, the panel demands the immediate and unconditional release of those Witnesses who are still detained."


"""Àwùjọ àwọn onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ kan tó ń rí sí ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn lábẹ́ Àjọ Ìṣọ̀kan Àgbáyé kọ ìwé kan tó ní ojú ìwé mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dógún (15). Nínú ìwé náà, wọ́n sọ pé ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà ti tẹ òfin àwọn orílẹ̀-èdè lójú, bí wọ́n ṣe fi àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà méjìdínlógún (18) sátìmọ́lé láwọn ìlú ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀, láti May 2018 sí July 2019. Wọ́n ní kí àwọn aláṣẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́síà dá àwọn ará wa tó wà látìmọ́lé sílẹ̀ lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀, kí wọ́n sì máa lọ lómìnira."


An advance copy of the panel’s opinion was released on May 15, 2020. The final version will be available on the UN’s website soon.


Àwọn onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ náà gbé ìpinnu tí wọ́n kọ́kọ́ ṣe jáde ní May 15, 2020. Wọ́n máa tó gbé ibi tí wọ́n parí ọ̀rọ̀ náà sí jáde lórí ìkànnì Àjọ Ìṣọ̀kan Àgbáyé.


This is the third time in the past year that the panel, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, has issued such a conclusion in favor of our fellow believers.


Ìgbà kẹta rèé lẹ́nu àìpẹ́ yìí, tí àwùjọ àwọn onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ tó ń rí sí ọ̀rọ̀ àwọn tí wọ́n fi sátìmọ́lé lọ́nà àìtọ́ máa gbèjà àwọn ará wa.


In its latest opinion, the Working Group condemns numerous aspects of Russia’s overt maltreatment of our brothers and sisters.


Nínú ìwé tí wọ́n kọ kẹ́yìn, wọ́n bẹnu àtẹ́ lu oríṣiríṣi ìwà ìkà tí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà ń hù sáwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin.


Addressing the authorities’ use of “extraordinary force” when arresting the Witnesses, the Working Group concludes that “there were no grounds justifying such action on behalf of the police”.


Àwùjọ náà sọ pé, kò sí ẹ̀rí tó lẹ́sẹ̀ nílẹ̀ tó fi yẹ káwọn ọlọ́pàá orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà fipá mú àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


They emphasize that “none of [the Witnesses] should have been arrested and held in pretrial detention and no trial of any of them should take or should have taken place.”


Wọ́n tún sọ pé, “kò sí ìkankan nínú [àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà] tó yẹ kí wọ́n fi sátìmọ́lé, kò sì yẹ kí wọ́n gbé ìkankan nínú wọn lọ sí ilé ẹjọ́.”


The panel categorically refutes the charge of so-called extremist activity.


Àwùjọ náà bẹnu àtẹ́ lu ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi ń kan àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà pé wọ́n jẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.


It explains that the brothers and sisters have done nothing more than observe “the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of religion.”


Wọ́n ní ohun táwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin ń ṣe ò ju pé “wọ́n ń lo ẹ̀tọ́ tí wọ́n ní láti máa jọ́sìn láìdí ẹnikẹ́ni lọ́wọ́.”


In the opinion, the rights experts also denounce the courtroom tactics used to try our brothers.


Nínú ìwé tí wọ́n kọ, wọ́n tún jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé bí wọ́n ṣe ń gbọ́ ẹjọ́ àwọn ará wa nílé ẹjọ̀ kò tọ́ rárá.


For example, during their pretrial detention extension hearings, two of the sisters were kept in cages in the courtrooms.


Bí apẹẹrẹ, inú àhámọ́ ni wọ́n fi àwọn arábìnrin wa méjì sí nílé ẹjọ́ nígbà tí wọ́n ń gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


As the Working Group explains, international law recognizes the right of all persons “to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law.”


Nínú àlàyé táwọn onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ náà ṣe, wọ́n ní òfin àwọn orílẹ̀-èdè jẹ́ ká mọ̀ pé ẹ̀tọ́ ẹnì kọ̀ọ̀kan ni “pé kí wọ́n fojú aláìmọwọ́mẹsẹ̀ wò ó, títí wọ́n á fi rí i dájú pé onítọ̀hún jẹ̀bi ẹsùn tí wọ́n fi kàn án.”


For that reason, our sisters should not have been “shackled or kept in cages during trials or otherwise presented to the court in a manner indicating that they may be dangerous criminals.”


Torí náà, kò yẹ kí wọ́n fi “ṣẹkẹ́ṣẹkẹ̀ sí àwọn arábìnrin wa lọ́wọ́ tàbí kí wọ́n fi wọ́n sínú àhámọ́ nígbà tí wọ́n ń gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn, torí ìyẹn á jẹ́ káwọn èèyàn máa fi ojú ọ̀daràn paraku wò wọ́n.”


The Working Group demands that Russia expunge the criminal records of all 18 Witnesses and compensate them in accordance with international law.


Àwùjọ náà tún sọ pé kí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà wọ́gi lé àkọ́sílẹ̀ ẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kan àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà méjìdínlógún (18) náà.


Further, the country is called upon to “ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty” and “take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of [the Witnesses’] rights.”


Kí wọ́n sì tún san owó gbà-má-bínú fún wọn, bí òfin àwọn orílẹ̀-èdè ṣe sọ. Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, wọ́n ní kí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè náà “ṣèwádìí fínnífínní nípa ohun tó mú káwọn aláṣẹ hùwà àìtọ́ yìí,” kí wọ́n sì “gbé ìgbẹ́sẹ̀ lórí àwọn tó ń fi ẹ̀tọ́ [àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà] dù wọ́n.”


The opinion notes that the 18 Witnesses are “part of a now ever-growing number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia who have been arrested, detained, and charged with criminal activity on the basis of mere exercise of freedom of religion.”


Wọ́n tún sọ nínú ìwé náà pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà méjìdínlógún (18) tí wọ́n mú wulẹ̀ jẹ́ díẹ̀ “lára ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó wà ní Rọ́ṣíà, tí wọ́n fi sátìmọ́lé, tí wọ́n sì fi ẹ̀sùn kàn pé wọ́n jẹ́ ọ̀daràn, torí pé wọ́n ń lo ẹ̀tọ́ tí wọ́n ní láti máa ṣe ìsìn wọn.”


A right protected by an international covenant to which Russia is a party.


Kẹ́ ẹ sì máa wò ó o, orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà wà lára àwọn tó fọwọ́ sí ẹ̀tọ́ yìí nínú àdéhùn táwọn orílẹ̀-èdè ṣe.


Therefore, although the present opinion focuses on the 18 named brothers and sisters, the Working Group was unequivocal that the findings “apply to all others in similar situations.”


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ẹjọ́ àwọn ará wa méjìdínlógún (18) ni ìwé tí àwùjọ náà kọ dá lé, wọ́n tún jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé ohun tí wọ́n sọ “kan gbogbo àwọn míì tó wà nírú ipò yẹn.”


The Working Group’s call to action does not guarantee that our brothers and sisters in Russia will be exonerated, but there is hope that it may improve the situation.


Kò sí ẹ̀rí tó dájú pé ìwé táwọn onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ yìí kọ máa mú kí àwọn aláṣẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà dá àwọn ará wa sílẹ̀, àmọ́ a gbà pé ó ṣeé ṣe kó mú kí ọ̀rọ̀ náà yanjú déwọ̀n àyè kan.


We await Russia’s response.


À ń retí ohun táwọn aláṣẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà máa ṣe sọ́rọ̀ yìí.


"In the meantime, as our brothers and sisters in Russia courageously endure persecution, we know our loving Father, Jehovah, will continue to fill them with joy and peace for trusting in him.—Romans 15:13."""


"Ní báyìí ná, a mọ̀ pé àwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa tó wà ní Rọ́ṣíà á máa fara da inúnibíni tí wọ́n ń ṣe sí wọn, a sì mọ̀ pé Jèhófà, Baba wa onífẹ̀ẹ́, á jẹ́ kí wọ́n máa láyọ̀, kí ọkàn wọn sì balẹ̀, torí pé òun ni wọ́n gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé.—Róòmù 15:13."""


On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Pskov City Court convicted 61-year-old Brother Gennady Shpakovskiy and sentenced him to six and a half years in prison.


Lọ́jọ́ Tuesday, June 9, 2020, ilé ẹjọ́ Pskov City Court dẹ́bi fún Arákùnrin Gennady Shpakovskiy tó jẹ́ ẹni ọdún mọ́kànlélọ́gọ́ta (61), wọ́n sì dájọ́ ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà àtààbọ̀ fún un.


He was immediately taken to prison from the courtroom.


Ẹsẹ̀kẹsẹ̀ tí wọ́n dájọ́ fún un tán ni wọ́n mú un lọ sínú ẹ̀wọ̀n.


This is the longest sentence handed down to one of our brothers since the 2017 Russian Supreme Court ruling that effectively criminalized our activity.


Iye ọdún tí wọ́n dá fún arákùnrin wa yìí ló ṣì pọ̀ jù láti ọdún 2017 tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ní Rọ́ṣíà ti ṣòfin pé ọ̀daràn ni ẹnikẹ́ni tí wọ́n bá rí tó ń ṣe ẹ̀sìn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


Brother Shpakovskiy will appeal the conviction.


Arákùnrin Shpakovskiy máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ẹjọ́ tí wọ́n dá fún un.


"""Judge Oleg Golovashko of the Prohladniy District Court in Russia announced the verdict in the case against Brother Arkadya Akopyan on Thursday, December 27."


"""Ní Thursday, December 27, Adájọ́ Oleg Golovashko ti Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Prohladniy ní Rọ́ṣíà sọ ìpinnu ilé ẹjọ́ lórí ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kan Arákùnrin Arkadya Akopyan."


The court sentenced Brother Akopyan, a 70-year-old retired tailor, to 120 hours of community service based on the absurd accusation that he allegedly commissioned non-Witnesses to distribute extremist literature.


Ilé ẹjọ́ sọ pé Arákùnrin Akopyan, tó jẹ́ ẹni àádọ́rin (70) ọdún tó ti fẹ̀yìn tì nídìí iṣẹ́ télọ̀, máa fi ọgọ́fà (120) wákàtí ṣe iṣẹ́ ìlú torí ẹ̀sùn èké tí wọ́n fi kàn án pé ó rán àwọn tí kì í ṣe Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà pé kí wọ́n lọ máa pín ìwé àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn kiri.


While Brother Akopyan was not sentenced to prison, this conviction is a gross violation of human rights.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé wọn ò rán Arákùnrin Akopyan lẹ́wọ̀n, ẹjọ́ tí wọ́n dá fún un yìí ta ko ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn.


Therefore, the ruling will be appealed to a higher court.


Nítorí náà, a máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn sí ilé gíga.


In the coming weeks, we anticipate a judgment on the case involving Dennis Christensen.


Ní ọ̀sẹ̀ díẹ̀ sí i, à ń retí ìdájọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ máa ṣe lórí ẹjọ́ Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen.


"We pray that Jehovah continues to support and comfort our brothers and sisters in Russia who are facing imprisonment for their faith.—2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17."""


"Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà máa ti àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́ṣíà lẹ́yìn, kó sì máa tù wọ́n nínú torí bí wọ́n ṣe ń fi wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́.—2 Tẹsalóníkà 2:16, 17."""


"""The Vilyuchinsk City Court is expected to announce its verdict in the trial involving Brother Mikhail Popov and his wife, Sister Yelena Popova, on Thursday, February 13, 2020."


"""A retí pé kí ilé ẹjọ́ Vilyuchinsk City Court sọ ìdájọ́ wọn lórí ọ̀rọ̀ Arákùnrin Mikhail Popov àti ìyàwó rẹ̀ Arábìnrin Yelena Popova lọ́jọ́ Thursday, February 13, 2020."


The couple was arrested on July 30, 2018, in Kamchatka and were released on August 9, 2018. They have been charged with engaging in “extremist activity.”


Wọ́n mú tọkọtaya yìí ní July 30, 2018 ní ìlú Kamchatka, àmọ́ wọ́n fi wọ́n sílẹ̀ ní August 9, 2018. Ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kàn wọ́n ni pé wọ́n ń lọ́wọ́ sí “iṣẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.”


"Mikhail and Yelena are relying on Jehovah as they face this distressing trial. We are confident that he will continue to be a “refuge and strength” for them.—Psalm 46:1."""


"Mikhail àti Yelena gbára lé Jèhófà pátápátá bí wọ́n ṣe ń fara da ipò tó le koko yìí. Ó dá wa lójú pé Jèhófà á máa bá a lọ láti jẹ́ ‘ibi ààbò àti okun’fún wọn.—Sáàmù 46:1."""


"""Brother Vladimir Alushkin was released from prison and reunited with his wife on March 30, 2020."


"""A láyọ̀ láti sọ fún yín pé wọ́n ti dá Arákùnrin Vladimir Alushkin sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n ní March 30, 2020, inú òun àti ìyàwó ẹ̀ sì dùn gan-an pé àwọn tún jọ wà pa pọ̀."


His release was the result of the previously reported March 25 decision by the Penza Regional Court.


Tẹ́ ò bá gbàgbé, a gbé ìròyìn kan jáde ní March 25 nípa bí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tó wà nílùú Penza ṣe fagi lé ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ àkọ́kọ́ ṣe, tí wọ́n sì ní kí wọ́n tún ẹjọ́ náà gbọ́.


The ruling overturned the conviction of Brothers Vladimir Alushkin, Vladimir Kulyasov, Andrey Magliv, and Denis Timoshin, as well as Sisters Tatyana Alushkina and Galiya Olkhova.


Ìpinnu ilé ẹjọ́ kejì jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé Arákùnrin Vladimir Alushkin, Vladimir Kulyasov, Andrey Magliv àti Arákùnrin Denis Timoshin kò jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kàn wọ́n, bákan náà lọ̀rọ̀ sì rí pẹ̀lú Arábìnrin Tatyana Alushkina àti Galiya Olkhova.


The Penza Regional Court returned the case to the original court for consideration by a different judge.


Nípa bẹ́ẹ̀, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tó wà nílùú Penza ní kí ilé ẹjọ́ àkọ́kọ́ yan adájọ́ míì láti tún ẹjọ́ náà gbọ́.


In the meantime, all six remain under travel and other restrictions.


Kó tó di pé wọ́n tún ẹjọ́ yẹn gbọ́, wọ́n fòfin de àwọn ará wa mẹ́fẹ̀ẹ̀fà yẹn pé wọn ò gbọ́dọ̀ rìnrìn-àjò, wọ́n sì tún fi àwọn ẹ̀tọ́ míì dù wọ́n.


Although we are pleased to hear Brother Alushkin was released, just two days later another one of our brothers was convicted for his faith in far northeastern Russia.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé inú wa dùn gan-an pé wọ́n ti dá Arákùnrin Alushkin sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n, ó ká wa lára pé lọ́jọ́ méjì lẹ́yìn náà, wọ́n tún mú ọ̀kan lára àwọn arákùnrin wa lápá àríwá orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà nítorí ohun tó gbà gbọ́.


"As long as these baseless legal attacks continue, we know that our brothers and sisters in Russia will keep close in mind the words at Nahum 1:7: “Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him.”"""


"Títí dìgbà táwọn èèyàn fi máa ṣíwọ́ àtimáa fẹ̀sùn tí kò lẹ́sẹ̀ nílẹ̀ kan àwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin, ó dá wa lójú pé àwọn ará wa yìí á máa fi ọ̀rọ̀ tó wà nínú Náhúmù 1:7 sọ́kàn, èyí tó sọ pé: “Jèhófà jẹ́ ẹni rere, odi agbára ní ọjọ́ wàhálà. Ó sì mọ àwọn tó ń wá ibi ààbò lọ́dọ̀ rẹ̀.”"""


"""The Pskov City Court will announce its verdict on June 8, 2020, in the trial involving 61-year-old Brother Gennady Shpakovskiy."


"""Ilé ẹjọ́ ìlú Pskov máa gbé ìdájọ́ ẹ̀ kalẹ̀ ní June 8, 2020, lórí ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kan Arákùnrin Gennady Shpakovskiy, ẹni ọdún mọ́kànlélọ́gọ́ta (61)."


He is being accused of “extremist” activity simply for holding small Christian meetings in his home, the prosecution has asked the court to sentence Brother Shpakovskiy to seven and a half years in prison.


Wọ́n fẹ̀sùn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn kàn-án torí ìpàdé Kristẹni tí wọn ń ṣe nílé ẹ̀. Agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba ti sọ pé kí ilé ẹjọ́ rán Arákùnrin Shpakovskiy lọ sẹ́wọ̀n ọdún méje àtààbọ̀.


In early 2018, Federal State Security (FSB) agents wiretapped the Shpakovskiy’s apartment and monitored their activity for several months.


Ní ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ 2018, àwọn ọ̀lọ́pàá ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí yọ́ kẹ́lẹ́ fi ẹ̀rọ gbọ́ ohun tí wọ́n ń sọ nínú ilé Shpakovskiy, wọ́n sì ń ṣọ́ wọn lọ́wọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀ fún ọ̀pọ̀ oṣù.


On June 3, 2018, at 12:45 p.m., FSB agents supported by armed National Guard officers forced open the front door of their apartment, where people were gathered for a peaceful meeting, and searched the home for six hours.


Ní June 3, 2018, ní aago kan ku ìṣẹ́jú mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dógún lọ́sàn-án, àwọn ọlọ́pàá ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́, papọ̀ pẹ̀lú àwọn ẹ̀ṣọ́ orílẹ̀-èdè náà, fi tipátipá ṣí ilẹ̀kùn iwájú ilé náà, níbi tí àwọn èèyàn péjọ sí láti ṣe ìpàdé ní wọ́ọ́rọ́wọ́, wọ́n sì wá gbogbo inú ilé náà fún wákàtí mẹ́fà.


The FSB agents confiscated tablets and cell phones and took the Witnesses away for interrogation.


Àwọn ọlọ́pàá ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́ gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé tábílẹ́tì àti fóònù àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí náà, wọ́n sì kó wọn lọ fún ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò.


The interrogators insulted the Witnesses and threatened them with dismissal from work and criminal prosecution.


Àwọn tó ń fọ̀rọ̀ wá wọn lẹ́nu wò bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí bú wọn, wọ́n sì ń halẹ mọ́ wọn pé wọ́n máa pàdánù iṣẹ́ wọn, wọ́n á sì lọ sẹ́wọ̀n.


Brother Shpakovskiy’s interrogation lasted until 10 p.m.


Ó tó aago mẹ́wàá alẹ́ kí ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò Arákùnrin Shpakovskiy tó parí.


On March 19, 2019, Brother Shpakovskiy was charged with organizing the activities of an “extremist” organization.


Ní March 19, 2019, wọ́n fẹ̀sùn kan Arákùnrin Shpakovskiy pé ó ń ṣètò ìgbòkègbodò ẹgbẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.


Five months later, the accusation of “financing extremist activities” was added to the criminal charge.


Oṣù márùn-ún lẹ́yìn náà, wọ́n fi ẹ̀sùn míì kàn-án pé ó ń fi owó ṣe ìtìlẹ́yìn fún ìgbòkègbodò ẹgbẹ́ àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.


"As the verdict approaches, we pray in full confidence that Jehovah will help the Shpakovskiy family remain strong, knowing that their faithful endurance will be rewarded.—2 Chronicles 15:7."""


"Bí ìgbẹ́jọ́ náà ṣe ń sún mọ́lé, a gbàdúrà pẹ̀lú ìgbẹ́kẹ̀lé kíkún pé Jèhófà máa ran ìdílé Shpakovskiy lọ́wọ́ láti dúró gbọin, a sì mọ̀ pé èrè wà fún ìfaradà wọn.—2 Kíróníkà 15:7."""


"""On September 2, 2019, the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court of Khabarovsk, Russia, sentenced Brother Valeriy Moskalenko to two years and two months of community service and another six months of probation."


"""Ní September 2, 2019, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Àgbègbè Zheleznodorozhniy ní ìlú Khabarovsk lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà dájọ́ pé kí Arákùnrin Valeriy Moskalenko lọ ṣe iṣẹ́ àṣesìnlú fún ọdún méjì àti oṣù méjì."


He will not need to spend any additional time in prison.


Ẹ̀yìn ìyẹn ní wọ́n á wá máa ṣọ́ ọ lọ́wọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀ fún oṣù mẹ́fà. Ìyẹn túmọ̀ sí pé kò ní pa dà sẹ́wọ̀n mọ́.


After the verdict was announced, Brother Moskalenko was released from custody to the delight of his family and friends. He had been in jail since August 2, 2018.


Lẹ́yìn tí ilé ẹjọ́ kéde ìdájọ́ yìí, wọ́n dá Arákùnrin Moskalenko sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n, inú ìdílé àtàwọn ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀ sì dùn gan-an.


Before his arrest, he worked as an assistant train conductor while caring for his sick mother.


Láti August 2, 2018 ló ti wà lẹ́wọ̀n. Kí wọ́n tó fi í sẹ́wọ̀n, iṣẹ́ tó ń ṣe ni pé ó máa ń ran ẹni tó ń wa ọkọ̀ ojú irin lọ́wọ́, ó sì tún ń tọ́jú ìyá rẹ̀ tó ń ṣàìsàn.


Under the terms of his probation, he cannot travel outside Khabarovsk and must report for a criminal-executive inspection every month.


Lára àwọn ìkálọ́wọ́kò tí wọ́n fún un lásìkò tí wọ́n fi ń ṣọ́ ọ lọ́wọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀ ni pé kò gbọdọ̀ jáde kúrò nílùú Khabarovsk, ó sì gbọ́dọ̀ máa lọ sí àgọ́ ọlọ́pàá lóṣooṣù kí wọ́n lè rí i pé kò ṣe ohunkóhun tí kò bófin mu.


In his closing statement to the court on August 30, Brother Moskalenko said in part: “It is completely unthinkable for me to go against the will of God that is clearly expressed in the Bible.


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ tí Arákùnrin Moskalenko sọ kẹ́yìn nílé ẹjọ́ ní August 30, ó sọ pé: “Mi ò ni ṣe ohun tó lòdì sí ìfẹ́ Ọlọ́run bó ṣe wà nínú Bíbélì láé.


And regardless of how I might be pressured or punished, even if I were sentenced to death, I declare that not even then would I abandon the almighty Creator of the universe, Jehovah God.”


Bó ti wù kí ilé ẹjọ́ yìí fìyà jẹ mí tó, kódà tí wọ́n bá dájọ́ ikú fún mi, mi ò ni fi Jèhófà, Ọlọ́run Olódùmarè àti Ẹlẹ́dàá ayé àtọ̀run sílẹ̀ láé.”


Yaroslav Sivulskiy, a representative from the European Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, states: “While we do not agree with the guilty verdict, we are glad that Valeriy can return home.”


Yaroslav Sivulskiy, tó jẹ́ aṣojú Àjọ European Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, sọ pé: “Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé a ò gbà pé a jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn náà, àmọ́ inú wa dùn pé Valeriy máa lè pa dà sílé.”


In addition to Brother Moskalenko, seven more of our brothers in the Khabarovsk Territory are awaiting verdicts in their criminal cases.


Yàtọ̀ sí Arákùnrin Moskalenko, àwọn arákùnrin wa méje míì wà ní ìlú Khabarovsk tó ń retí ìgbà tí wọ́n máa dá ẹjọ́ ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kàn wọ́n.


We are thankful to Jehovah that Brother Moskalenko maintained his strong faith during his detention.


A dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ Jèhófà pé Arákùnrin Moskalenkodúró gbọin nígbà tó wà lẹ́wọ̀n.


"We pray that He will continue to supply strength to all the brothers and sisters who are enduring persecution for their Bible-based convictions.—Isaiah 40:31."""


"Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà túbọ̀ máa fún àwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa lókun bí wọ́n ṣe ń fara da inúnibíni nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́.—Àìsáyà 40:31."""


"""On August 13, 2019, the appeals court in the city of Kirov ruled to release 26-year-old Brother Andrey Suvorkov from house arrest."


Ní August 13, 2019, ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tó wà ní ìlú Kirov dájọ́ pé kí wọn jẹ́ ki Arákùnrin Andrey Suvorkov tó jẹ́ ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìndínlọ́gbọ̀n (26) pé kò lómìnira láti jáde kúrò nílé.


Although Brother Suvorkov has been given greater freedom, the criminal case against him remains open.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé wọ́n fún Arákùnrin Suvorkov lómìnira tó pọ̀ si i, síbẹ̀ ẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kàn án ṣì wà síbẹ̀.


As previously reported, Brother Suvorkov was arrested, along with his stepfather and three other brothers, when local police and masked special forces raided 19 homes in Kirov on October 9, 2018.


Bó ṣe wà nínú ìròyìn tá a gbé jáde ṣáájú, ní October 9, 2018 àwọn ọlọ́pàá àtàwọn agbófinró tó fi nǹkan bojú ya wọ ilé mọ́kàndínlógún (19) lára ilé àwọn ará wa, ìgbà yẹn ni wọ́n mú Arákùnrin Suvorkov, ọkọ ìyá rẹ̀ àtàwọn arákùnrin mẹ́ta míì.


Thinking back to when his home was searched, Brother Suvorkov states: “Many of our valuable items were confiscated.


Arákùnrin Suvorkov sọ ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ nígbà tí wọ́n wá tú ilé rẹ̀, ó ní: “Wọ́n kó púpọ̀ nínú àwọn ohun ìní wa.


But my wife and I didn’t worry about it, since we always tried to keep our life simple and not get too attached to material things.


Àmọ́, èmi àti ìyàwó mi ò ronú nípa ìyẹn torí a ti jẹ́ kí ohun díẹ̀ tẹ́ wa lọ́rùn, a ò sì kì í ṣàníyàn púpọ̀ nípa àwọn nǹkan tara.


The counsel from Matthew 6:21, ‘for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,’ helped us remain calm.”


Ìmọ̀ràn tó wà ní Mátíù 6:21 ti ràn wá lọ́wọ́ gan-an, ó sọ pé, ‘ibi tí ìṣúra yín bá wà ibẹ̀ ni ọkàn yín náà máa wà,’ ìyẹn ni kò jẹ́ ká kọ́kàn sókè.”


Following the raids, criminal cases were opened against Brother Suvorkov, his stepfather, and the three other brothers for singing Kingdom songs, studying religious literature, and possessing a copy of the Russian New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.


Lẹ́yìn tí wọ́n tú ilé àwọn arákùnrin yìí, wọ́n fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kan Arákùnrin Suvorkov, ọkọ ìyá rẹ̀ àtàwọn arákùnrin mẹ́ta míì, wọ́n ní torí pé wọ́n ń kọrin ìjọba Ọlọ́run, wọ́n ń ka àwọn ìtẹ̀jáde wa àti pé wọ́n tún ní Bíbélì Mímọ́ ti Ìtumọ̀ Ayé Tuntun lédè Rọ́ṣíà lọ́wọ́.


They were all detained in a temporary holding facility as they waited for a court to decide either to release them or place them in pretrial detention.


Wọ́n fi gbogbo wọ́n sí àtìmọ́lé tó wà fún gbà díẹ̀ títí ilé ẹjọ́ á fi sọ pé kí wọn dá wọ́n sílẹ̀ tàbí kí wọ́n wà lẹ́wọ̀n títí wọ́n á fi gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


Brother Suvorkov describes his experience: “I spent two nights in a temporary holding facility.


Arákùnrin Suvorkov sọ ohun tójú ẹ̀ rí, ó sọ pé: “Ọjọ́ méjì ni mo lò ní àtìmọ́lé onígbà díẹ̀.


In the beginning, I did not stop praying. I was sure that Jehovah heard me and would give me support.


Mi ò dáwọ́ àdúrà dúró láti ìbẹ̀rẹ̀, torí ó dá mi lójú pé Jèhófà á gbọ́ mi, á sì tì mí lẹ́yìn. Mò rántí àwọn orin ìjọba Ọlọ́run kan, mo sì ń kọ wọ́n.


I recalled melodies from the Kingdom songs and sang them. Later, I recalled more than 50 melodies with lyrics.”


Lápapọ̀, mo rántí ohùn orin tó lé ní àádọ́ta (50) àti ọ̀rọ̀ inú wọn.”


The court decided to place Brother Suvorkov and the others in pretrial detention.


Ilé ẹjọ́ wá sọ pé kí wọ́n fi Arákùnrin Suvorkov àti àwọn yòókù sẹ́wọ̀n títí wọ́n á fi gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


During his first week in detention, Brother Suvorkov focused on helping others.


Ní ọ̀sẹ̀ àkọ́kọ́ tí Arákùnrin Suvorkov lò lẹ́wọ̀n, ṣé ló gbájú mọ́ bó ṣe máa ran àwọn míì lọ́wọ́.


He recalls: “I decided to mention brothers by name in my prayers and write encouraging letters to those whose addresses I remembered.


Ó sọ́ pé: “Mo pinnu láti máa dárúkọ àwọn ará wa nínú àdúrà mi, mo sì ń kọ lẹ́tà tó ń fúnni lókùn sí àwọn tí mo rántí àdírẹ́sì ilé wọn.


This brought me joy.”—Acts 20:35.


Èyí fún mi láyọ̀ gan-an.”—Ìṣe 20:35.


As the months went by, all the brothers were eventually transferred to house arrest, except for Brother Andrzej Oniszczuk.


Lẹ́yìn ọ̀pọ̀ oṣù, wọ́n dá àwọn arákùnrin yìí padà sílé wọ́n, àmọ́ wọ́n pàṣẹ pé gbogbo wọn ò gbọdọ̀ jáde kúrò nílé, àfi Arákùnrin Andrey Oniszczuk nìkan ló lè jáde nílé.


Brother Suvorkov is the first of the brothers from Kirov to be released from house arrest.


Arákùnrin Suvorkov ni ẹni àkọ́kọ́ nílùú Kirov lára àwọn tí wọ́n ní wọn ò gbọdọ̀ jáde nílé tí wọ́n wá pa dà fún lómìnira láti jáde nílé.


“Looking back,” states Brother Suvorkov, “I’m very glad that I had such an experience in prison. . . .


Nígbà tí Arákùnrin Suvorkov rántí ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ sí i, ó sọ pé: “Inú mi dùn pé mo ní irú ìrírí tí mo ní lẹ́wọ̀n. . . .


I don’t know what the future holds or if I will be imprisoned again.


Mi ò mọ ohun tó máa ṣẹlẹ̀ lọ́la, mi ò sì mọ̀ bóyá wọ́n ṣì tún máa sọ mí sẹ́wọ̀n.


I now have confidence that I will receive the support of Jehovah and his organization, even if I am in prison.


Àmọ́ ní báyìí, ó ti wá dá mi lójú pé Jèhófà àti ètò rẹ̀ ò ní fi mí sílẹ̀, kódà tí mo bá wà lẹ́wọ̀n.


"What I don’t have is the fear of being imprisoned.”"""


"Ohun kan ni pé, àyà mi ò já pé wọ́n lè sọ mí sẹ́wọ̀n.”"""


"""On September 3, 2019, Brother Andrzej Oniszczuk was released from a Russian prison."


"""Ní September 3, 2019, wọ́n dá Arákùnrin AndrzejOniszczuk sílẹ̀ lọ́gbà ẹ̀wọ̀n kan lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà."


He had been incarcerated since October 9, 2018, for merely practicing his faith.


Láti October 9, 2018 ni wọ́n ti fi í sẹ́wọ̀n torí pé ó ń jọ́sìn Ọlọ́run.


During that time, he was held in solitary confinement and was not allowed to see or speak with his wife, Anna.


Láàárín àkókò yẹn, wọ́n fi í sínú àhámọ́, wọn ò jẹ́ kó rí Anna ìyàwó rẹ̀, wọn ò tún jẹ́ kó o bá a sọ̀rọ̀.


Though he can return home, he remains under restrictions, which severely limit his travel.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé wọ́n ti jẹ́ kó pa dà sílé báyìí, àmọ́ àwọn aláṣẹ ò gbà á láyè láti lọ síbi tó wù ú.


His criminal case is still in progress.


Wọn ò sì tíì parí ẹjọ́ lórí ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kàn án.


We rejoice that Brother Andrzej Oniszczuk and his wife are maintaining strong faith during this ordeal.


Inú wa dùn pé Arákùnrin Andrzej Oniszczuk àti ìyàwó rẹ̀ dúró gbọin lákòókò tí nǹkan le koko yìí.


"We are thankful that Jehovah responds to all the prayers in behalf of those in “prison bonds.”—Colossians 4:2, 3."""


"A dúpẹ́ pé Jèhófà ń dáhùn àwọn àdúrà tá a gbà nítorí àwọn tó wa nínú “ìdè ẹ̀wọ̀n.”—Kólósè 4:2, 3."""


"""On April 1, 2019, the same Russian court that sentenced Brother Dennis Christensen to six years in prison convicted 56-year-old Sergey Skrynnikov for practicing his faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses."


"""Ní April 1, 2019 ilé ẹjọ́ tó rán Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà tún dẹ́bi fún Sergey Skrynnikov, ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìndínlọ́gọ́ta (56) torí pé ó ń ṣe ohun tó gbà gbọ́ gẹ́gẹ́ bíi Kristẹni Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà."


The court imposed a large fine of $5,348.00 (RUB 350,000; EUR 4,758.95).


Ilé ẹjọ́ bu owó ìtanràn tabua lé e lórí, wọ́n ní kó san ẹgbẹ̀rún márùn-ún àti ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́ta ó lé méjìdínláàádọ́ta owó dọ́là ($5,348.00).


No prison time was ordered, although the prosecution was seeking three years of detention.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé àwọn tó fẹ̀sùn kàn án fẹ́ kí ilé ẹjọ́ ran an lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́ta, ilé ẹjọ́ ò rán an lẹ́wọ̀n.


Brother Skrynnikov and his wife, Nina, have one daughter.


Arákùnrin Skrynnikov àti ìyàwó rẹ̀, Nina bí ọmọbìnrin kan.


They assist their daughter and her husband with their five children.


Wọ́n máa ń ran ọmọbìnrin wọn lọ́wọ́ pẹ̀lú ọkọ rẹ̀ láti tọ́jú ọmọ márùn-ún tí wọ́n bí.


Additionally, the Skrynnikovs are the primary caregivers for Nina’s elderly parents.


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, ìdílé Skrynnikov náà ló ń tọ́jú àwọn òbí Nina, ìyàwó ọmọ wọn, torí wọ́n ti dàgbà gan-an.


In court, Brother Skrynnikov made a respectful and compelling defense of his faith.


Tọ̀wọ̀tọ̀wọ̀ ni Arákùnrin Skrynnikov gbèjà ohun tó gbà gbọ́ nílé ẹjọ́, ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ sì wọni lọ́kàn.


He said, in part: “If you look at the current situation from an unbeliever’s viewpoint, you might despair. . . .


Lára ohun tó sọ ni pé: “Téèyàn bá fojú ẹni tí ò nígbàgbọ́ wo ọ̀rọ̀ yìí, ó máa bọkàn jẹ́. . . .


But as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I look at this situation through the eyes of faith.


Àmọ́ torí pé Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni mí, ojú ìgbàgbọ́ ni mo fi wo ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ yìí.


If God permits me to be convicted, it means that I need to view these three years not as a punitive sentence but as a special assignment to serve in a new location!


Tí Ọlọ́run bá fàyè gbà á pé kí wọ́n rán mi lẹ́wọ̀n, àfi kí n yáa gbà pé ọdún mẹ́ta yìí kì í ṣe tìyà, àmọ́ ó wà fún iṣẹ́ pàtàkì kan tí màá ṣe níbi tuntun!


So I do not despair. . . .


Torí náà, mi ò bọkàn jẹ́. . . .


God is one and the same whether we are free or in prison.


Ìkan náà ni Ọlọ́run, kò yí pa dà, à báà wà lómìnira tàbí a wà lẹ́wọ̀n.


Therefore, we are not abandoned.


Kò fi wá sílẹ̀.


He is with us everywhere as long as we stay faithful to him.”


Ó wà pẹ̀lú wa níbikíbi tá a bá wà, tá a bá ṣáà ti jẹ́ olóòótọ́ sí i.”


We are encouraged by the strong faith of our fellow believers, such as Brother Skrynnikov.


Ìgbàgbọ́ tó lágbára táwọn ará wa ní máa ń fún wa níṣìírí bíi ti Arákùnrin Skrynnikov.


When we think of the severe trials they are facing, we echo the apostle Paul’s prayerful words: “May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your trusting in him, so that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.”—Romans 15:13.


Tá a ba ronú nípa àwọn àdánwò lílé tí wọ́n ń kojú, àwa náà máa gba irú àdúrà tí àpọ́sítélì Pọ́ọ̀lù gbà fáwọn ará pé: “Kí Ọlọ́run tó ń fúnni ní ìrètí fi gbogbo ayọ̀ àti àlàáfíà kún inú yín nítorí ẹ̀ ń gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé e, kí ìrètí yín lè túbọ̀ dájú nípasẹ̀ agbára ẹ̀mí mímọ́.”—Róòmù 15:13.


Translated from Russian


A túmọ̀ rẹ̀ láti èdè Russian


First, I would like to express my gratitude to Presiding Judge Gleb Borisovich Noskov for not imposing [pretrial] imprisonment on me, which meant that I have been with my family the entire time.


Lákọ̀ọ́kọ́, mo dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ Adájọ́ Àgbà Gleb Borisovich Noskov tí kò fi mí sátìmọ́lé kí wọ́n tó gbọ́ ẹjọ́ mi, èyí jẹ́ kí n lè wà pẹ̀lú ìdílé mi ní gbogbo àsìkò ìgbẹ́jọ́ yìí.


Also I wish to thank all of the clerks for their work.


Bákan náà, mo fẹ́ dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ gbogbo àwọn ọ̀ṣìṣẹ́ ilé ẹjọ́ fún iṣẹ́ tí wọ́n ń ṣe.


I offer special thanks to the prosecutor, Madam Nadezhda Gennadiyevna Naumova, because no undue pressure was exerted on me and the questioning was conducted properly.


Mo dúpẹ́ gan-an lọ́wọ́ agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba, Ìyáàfin Nadezhda Gennadiyevna Naumova, torí kò ni mí lára nígbà tó ń wádìí ọ̀rọ̀ wò lẹ́nu mi, ọ̀nà tó sì gbà bi mí léèrè ọ̀rọ̀ bọ́gbọ́n mu.


I would also like to thank my lawyers, Madam Irina Aleksandrovna Krasnikova and Mr. Anton Nikolayevich Bogdanov, for the tremendous work they have done.


Mo tún dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ àwọn agbẹjọ́rò mi, Ìyáàfin Irina Aleksandrovna Krasnikova àti Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Anton Nikolayevich Bogdanov torí iṣẹ́ ribiribi tí wọ́n ṣe.


I confess to being very surprised when they managed to bring in a specialist from Chelyabinsk.


Ìyàlẹ́nu gbáà ló jẹ́ fún mi nígbà tí wọ́n mú akọ́ṣẹ́mọṣẹ́ kan wá láti ìlú Chelyabinsk.


Thanks to all of you dear friends, for coming to all the sessions to encourage me, even though it was known that the sessions would be closed.


Mo dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ gbogbo ẹ̀yín ọ̀rẹ́ mi àtàtà fún bẹ́ ẹ ṣe ń wá sílé ẹjọ́ láti fún mi níṣìírí ní gbogbo àsìkò ìgbẹ́jọ́, bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ẹ mọ̀ pé wọn ò ní jẹ́ kẹ́ ẹ wọlé.


Thank you to my mother, who, in spite of poor health, came to the court sessions to support me.


Màmá mi, ẹ ṣé o, bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ara ò le, ẹ ò yéé wá sílé ẹjọ́ láti fún mi níṣìírí.


Thank you to my beloved wife, who for the past 37 years has supported me during good times and those more difficult moments.


Ìyàwó mi àtàtà, o ṣé o, kú àdúrótì látọdún mẹ́tàdínlógójì (37), lọ́jọ́ dídùn àti lọ́jọ́ kíkan.


Of course, the greatest gratitude goes to my beloved God, Jehovah, who has filled my heart with peace and joy.


Jèhófà, Ọlọ́run mi ni ọpẹ́ tó ga jù lọ yẹ, òun ló ń fi mí lọ́kàn balẹ̀, tó sì fi ayọ̀ kún ọkàn mi.


You may find it hard to believe, but in my heart there is no shadow of discontent or resentment about what has happened to me, only joy and peace.


Ó lè ṣòroó gbà gbọ́, àmọ́ kò sí ìbànújẹ́ tàbí ìbínú kankan lọ́kàn mi, ayọ̀ àti àlááfíà ló kún ọkàn mi.


Second Corinthians 4:8, 9 is Bible prophecy being fulfilled in my case: “We are hard-pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed.”


Kọ́ríńtì Kejì 4:8, 9 ló ṣe nínú ọ̀rọ̀ mi: “Wọ́n há wa gádígádí ní gbogbo ọ̀nà, àmọ́ kò le débi tí a ò fi lè yíra; ọkàn wa dà rú, àmọ́ kì í ṣe láìsí ọ̀nà àbáyọ rárá; wọ́n ṣe inúnibíni sí wa, àmọ́ a ò pa wá tì; wọ́n gbé wa ṣánlẹ̀, àmọ́ a ò pa run.”


This tells us that not only will God’s servants be hard-pressed and persecuted, but also that the work that the Lord Jesus entrusted to them will not just continue, but will gain momentum and expand.


Ọ̀rọ̀ yìí jẹ́ ká rí i pé wọ́n máa há àwọn ìránṣẹ́ Ọlọ́run mọ́, wọ́n á sì ṣenúnibíni sí wọn, àmọ́ iṣẹ́ tí Jésù Olúwa gbé lé wọn lọ́wọ́ ò ní dáwọ́ dúró, kàkà bẹ́ẹ̀, ńṣe láá tubọ̀ yára, táá sì túbọ̀ gbilẹ̀.


These words apply to all who consider themselves followers of Christ:


Gbogbo àwọn tó bá jẹ́ ọmọlẹ́yìn tòótọ́ fún Kristi lọ̀rọ̀ yìí kàn:


Matthew 28:19, 20 tells us to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.


Mátíù 28:19, 20 sọ fún wa pé “Torí náà, ẹ lọ, kí ẹ máa sọ àwọn èèyàn gbogbo orílẹ̀-èdè di ọmọ ẹ̀yìn, ẹ máa batisí wọn ní orúkọ Baba àti ti Ọmọ àti ti ẹ̀mí mímọ́, ẹ máa kọ́ wọn pé kí wọ́n máa pa gbogbo ohun tí mo pa láṣẹ fún yín mọ́.


And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”


Ẹ wò ó! Mo wà pẹ̀lú yín ní gbogbo ọjọ́ títí dé ìparí ètò àwọn nǹkan.”


Jehovah’s spirit continually leads Christians, giving them power beyond what is normal and thus helping them to perform their God-assigned tasks despite the pressures they face.


Ẹ̀mí Jèhófà ló máa ń darí àwọn Kristẹni, tó ń fún wọn ní agbára tó kọjá ti ẹ̀dá, tó sì ń mú kí wọ́n lè ṣe iṣẹ́ tí Ọlọ́run yàn fún wọn bí wọ́n tiẹ̀ ń kojú inúnibíni.


We become even more convinced of this when we take a look at the past. In the 1930’s, God’s servants faced what seemed to be an impossible task, that of covering the entire Soviet Union with the message about God’s Kingdom.


Ọ̀rọ̀ yìí máa túbọ̀ dá wa lójú tá a bá wo ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ kọjá. Lọ́dún 1930 sí 1939, àwọn ìránṣẹ́ ọlọ́run fàyà rán iṣẹ́ ńlá kan tó dà bíi pé kò lè ṣeé ṣe, ìyẹn ni bí wọ́n ṣe máa wàásù Ìjọba Ọlọ́run ní gbogbo agbègbè tó wà lábẹ́ ìjọba Soviet Union.


But since the preaching work is directed by Christ, he arranged matters so that in the early 1950’s the Soviet government itself sent thousands of families of Jehovah’s Witnesses to Siberia into the farthest corners of the country without charge.


Àmọ́ torí pé Kristi ló ń darí iṣẹ́ ìwàásù, ní nǹkan bí ogún (20) ọdún lẹ́yìn náà, ó ṣètò nǹkan lọ́nà tí ìjọba Soviet Union fúnra rẹ̀ fi kó ẹgbẹẹgbẹ̀rún ìdílé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lọ sí Sàìbéríà lọ́fẹ̀ẹ́, kódà títí dé àwọn apá ibi tó jìnnà jù lọ lórílẹ̀-èdè náà.


It has been [more] than 60 years since then and what have we seen happen?


Ó ti fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ pé ọgọ́ta (60) ọdún báyìí tọ́rọ̀ yìí ti ṣẹlẹ̀, àmọ́ kí ló ti yọrí sí?


Officials throughout Siberia have been astounded when they have seen how the preaching work has spread.


Ìyàlẹ́nu ló ń jẹ́ fáwọn aláṣẹ ní Sàìbéríà bí wọ́n ṣe ń rí iṣẹ́ ìwàásù tó ń gbilẹ̀ lágbègbè náà.


One analyst who is familiar with the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the USSR expressed it this way:


Ọ̀kan lára àwọn olùṣèwádìí tó mọ ìtàn àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà dáadáa ní USSR sọ pé:


“Fighting against Jehovah’s Witnesses is like blowing on dandelions.


“Ńṣe lọ̀rọ̀ bí wọ́n ṣe ń gbógun ti àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà dà bí ìgbà téèyàn bá fẹ́ atẹ́gùn lu òdòdó tí wọ́n ń pè ní dandelions.


The stronger the force that is used against them, the more seeds fly and the farther they go.”


Bí atẹ́gùn náà bá ṣe pọ̀ tó ni yẹtuyẹtu rẹ̀ tó máa gbọ̀n sílẹ̀ á ṣe pọ̀ tó, bẹ́ẹ̀ ni wọ́n sì ṣe máa rìn jìnnà tó.”


Today that same situation with Jehovah’s Witnesses is being repeated.


Bọ́rọ̀ ṣe rí fáwa Ẹlẹ́rì Jèhófà lóde òní nìyẹn.


Whom do we meet when we preach from house to house?


Àwọn wo la sábà máa ń bá tá a bá ń wàásù láti ilé dé ilé?


Housewives and pensioners.


Àwọn ìyàwó ilé àtàwọn tó ti fẹ̀yìn tì lẹ́nu iṣẹ́.


It is difficult to find working people at home.


A kìí fi bẹ́ẹ̀ bá àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ nílé.


It is also difficult and sometimes impossible to get into high-security buildings, prisons, courts, and prison colonies.


Bẹ́ẹ̀ náà ló ṣòro tàbí kó má tiẹ̀ ṣeé ṣe láti wàásù láwọn ilé tó ní fẹ́ǹsì gìrìwò, láwọn ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n, láwọn ilé ẹjọ́ àtì láwọn ibi tí wọ́n ti ń kó àwọn ẹlẹ́wọ̀n ṣiṣẹ́.


But the preaching campaign is directed by Christ and he [Jehovah] has put it into the mind and heart of the Ministry of Justice to carry out His will.


Àmọ́ torí pé Kristi ló ń darí iṣẹ́ ìwàásù àti pé ó [Jèhófà] ti fi í sọ́kàn Ilé Iṣẹ́ Ètò Ìdájọ́ láti ṣe ìfẹ́ Rẹ̀.


In the end, the Ministry of Justice, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the prosecutor’s offices, and other law-enforcement agencies have seen to it by their direct and active involvement in the preaching campaign of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How?


Èyí ti mú kí ilé Iṣẹ́ Ètò Ìdájọ́ àti Ìgbìmọ̀ Tó Ń Ṣèwádìí Nílẹ̀ Rọ́ṣíà pẹ̀lú ọ́fíìsì àwọn agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba àtàwọn agbófinró lóríṣiríṣi fọwọ́ ara wọn àtohun tí wọ́n ṣe mú kí iṣẹ́ ìwàásù àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà túbọ̀ gbilẹ̀. Lọ́nà wo?


Because of their actions, from Kaliningrad to Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands; from Arkhangel’sk to Crimea, and Yalta; within families, at workplaces, in prisons, courts, and correctional colonies, the name of the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah God, is being proclaimed.


Ohun tí wọ́n ṣe ti mú ká kéde orúkọ Ọba Aláṣe Ayé Àtọ̀run, Jèhófà Ọlọ́run láti agbègbè Kaliningrad títí dé ẹrékùṣù Sakhalin àti Kuril; láti ìlú Arkhangel’sk títí dé Crimea àti Yalta; láàárín àwọn ìdílé, láwọn ibi iṣẹ́, láwọn ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n, láwọn ilé ẹjọ́ àti láwọn ibi tí wọ́n ti ń kọ́ni ní béèyàn á ṣe yíwà pa dà.


We as Jehovah’s Witnesses could never have dreamed that this campaign would reach such magnitude.


Àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ò rò ó rí pé iṣẹ́ ìwàásù wá á délédóko bó ṣe rí yìí.


So now a new door has opened for the ministry in what are essentially new circumstances and new places.


Torí náà ilẹ̀kùn tuntun ló ṣí sílẹ̀ láti ìwàásù láwọn ibi tuntun àti lọ́nà tuntun.


For Jehovah’s Witnesses to preach the good news in new places is truly a great honor.


Àǹfààní ńlá ló jẹ́ fáwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà láti wàásù ìhìn rere láwọn ibi tuntun yìí.


And it is the prosecutor’s office that is making this possible.


Ọ́fíìsì àwọn agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba ló sì mú kí èyí ṣeé ṣe.


Let us take a look into the future.


Ẹ jẹ́ ká wo bọ́rọ̀ yìí ṣe máa rí lọ́jọ́ iwájú.


If for another ten years or so the government keeps putting Jehovah’s Witnesses in prisons and correctional colonies, there will be about 200 of them in each penal facility.


Tá a bá fi máa rọ́dún mẹ́wàá sí i, tí ijọba bá ṣì ń ju àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sẹ́wọn àtàwọn ibi tí wọ́n ti kó àwọn ẹlẹ́wọ̀n ṣiṣẹ́, á fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ tó ọgọ́rùn-ún méjì (200) Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó máa wà ní ojúkò kọ̀ọ̀kan.


Imagine four congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in one prison!


Ẹ wo bó ṣe máa rí tí ìjọ mẹ́rin bá wà ní ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n kọ̀ọ̀kan!


The prison administrators will be begging the Ministry of Justice to set Jehovah’s Witnesses free.


Ńṣe làwọn tó ń bójú tó ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n á máa bẹ Ilé Iṣẹ́ Ètò Ìdájọ́ pé kí wọ́n tú àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sílẹ̀.


What do you imagine the majority of Witnesses would pray for?


Kí lẹ rò pé èyí tó pọ̀ jù lára àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà á máa gbà ládùúrà?


“Lord, don’t soften the heart of the administrator; don’t let him set me free.


“Olúwa, jọ̀ọ́, má jẹ́ kí ọkàn àwọn aláṣẹ rọ̀ o; má jẹ́ kí wọ́n tú mi sílẹ̀.


I have so many Bible students and sincere people to talk to in here.”


Inú ibí yìí ni ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ Bíbélì mi àtàwọn tí mo lè bá sọ̀rọ̀ wà.”


If you were to look at the current situation from an unbeliever’s viewpoint, you might despair.


Téèyàn bá fojú aláìnígbàgbọ́ wo ohun tó ń ṣẹlẹ̀ báyìí, ó máa bọkàn jẹ́.


You might say: “I have not killed anyone, robbed anyone, stolen from anyone.


Bíi kó sọ pé: “Mi ò pààyàn, mi ò gba nǹkan oníǹkan, mi ò sì jààyàn lólè.


I have not even quarreled with anyone.


Mi ò tiẹ̀ bá ẹnikẹ́ni fa ọ̀rọ̀.


This evidence is in the reports from the rural administration and from the district inspector.


Ẹ̀rí sì fi hàn bẹ́ẹ̀ nínú ìwé táwọn aláṣẹ agbègbè kọ.


Nevertheless, the prosecution is asking that I serve three years in a prison colony.”


Síbẹ̀, àwọn tó pè mí lẹ́jọ́ ṣáà fẹ́ kí wọ́n rán mi lẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́ta.”


This would seem to be the time to despair; but as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I look at this situation through the eyes of faith.


Irú àsìkò yìí lèèyàn lè fẹ́ bọkàn jẹ́; àmọ́ torí pé Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni mí, ojú ìgbàgbọ́ ni mo fi ń wo ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ yìí.


So I do not despair.


Torí náà, mi ò bọkàn jẹ́.


Rather, I view it as a great privilege, the privilege to serve God where there are as yet no Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Dípò bẹ́ẹ̀, mo wò ó bí àǹfààní ńlá láti lọ ṣiṣẹ́ Ọlọ́run níbi tí kò tíì sí Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kankan.


The mass media has already plowed this territory very well in preparation.


Àwọn ilé iṣẹ́ agbéròyìnjáde ti roko gbogbo agbègbè náà dè mí.


Now is the time to sow.


Àsìkò ti tó láti fún irúgbìn.


He is with us everywhere as long as we stay faithful to him.


Ó wà pẹ̀lú wa níbikíbi tá a bá wà, tá a bá ṣáà ti jẹ́ olóòótọ́ sí i.


In my case I am confident that God is taking my physical and spiritual health into consideration and, if it pleases him, he will put it in the presiding judge’s mind and heart to grant your petition regarding my sentence, Madam Naumova.


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ tèmi, ó dá mi lójú pé Ọlọ́run máa tọ́jú mi nípa tara àti nípa tẹ̀mí, tó bá sì wù ú, á fi sọ́kàn adájọ́ àgbà pé kó rán mi lẹ́wọ̀n bí àwọn tó pè mí lẹ́jọ́ ṣe fẹ́, ìyẹn Ìyáàfin Naumova.


I am looking forward to April 1st.


Mò ń retí ọjọ́ kìíní oṣù April.


Hebrews 13:6 assures me: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.


Hébérù 13:6 fi dá mi lójú pé: “Jèhófà ni olùrànlọ́wọ́ mi; mi ò ní bẹ̀rù.


What can man do to me?”


Kí ni èèyàn lè fi mí ṣe?”


Jehovah God himself will help me.


Jèhófà Ọlọ́run fúnra rẹ̀ máa ràn mí lọ́wọ́.


Of whom should I be afraid?


Ṣé ó tún yẹ kí n bẹ̀rù ẹnikẹ́ni?


"""On September 4, 2019, during the trial of six Jehovah’s Witnesses in Saratov, a well-known religious scholar and state advisor to the Russian Federation, Sergey Igorevich Ivanenko, was invited to testify under oath on behalf of Jehovah’s Witnesses."


"""Ní September 4, 2019, nígbà tí wọ́n ń gbẹ́jọ́ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà mẹ́fà ní ìlú Saratov, wọ́n ní kí onímọ̀ nípa ẹ̀sìn táwọn èèyàn mọ̀ bí ẹní mowó àti olùdámọ̀ràn fún ìjọba Orílẹ̀-Èdè Rọ́ṣíà, Sergey Igorevich Ivanenko, wá sọ ohun tó mọ̀ nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà níwájú ilé ẹjọ́."


Dr. Ivanenko is the author of two scholarly works on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.


Ọ̀mọ̀wé Ivanenko ló ṣe ìwé méjì tó wúlò fáwọn akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ èyí tó sọ̀rọ̀ nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà.


The following excerpts were taken from the testimony he gave under oath:


Ohun tá a kọ síbí yìí ni ẹ̀rí tó jẹ́ níwájú ilé ẹjọ́:


The religious life and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Ìgbésí ayé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà àti ìjọsìn wọn.


“One thing makes Jehovah’s Witnesses unique:


“Ohun kan tó mú káwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí yàtọ̀ gédégbé ni pé:


They do not rely on strict rules or the authority of any particular leader, instead, they try to help adherents develop a Bible-trained conscience so that each individual can personally and voluntarily make decisions guided by the Bible.


Wọn kì í tẹ̀ lé òfin gbòógì kankan tàbí ohun tí aṣáájú kan pàtó bá pa láṣẹ, ṣe ni wọ́n máa ń gbìyànjú láti ran ara wọn lọ́wọ́ kí wọ́n lè ní ẹ̀rí ọkàn tí wọ́n fi Bíbélì kọ́, kí ẹnì kọ̀ọ̀kan wọn sì lè dá ṣe ìpinnu tó bá Bíbélì mu.


“Jehovah’s Witnesses try to follow what is written in the Bible, in harmony with the principles set out by Jesus Christ and his disciples back in the first century of the Common Era.


“Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà máa ń gbìyànjú láti tẹ̀ lé ohun tó wà nínú Bíbélì, ni ìbámu pẹ̀lú àwọn ìlànà tí Jésù Kristi àtàwọn ọmọ ẹ̀yìn rẹ̀ gbé kalẹ̀ ní ọgọ́rùn-ún ọdún kìíní Sànmánì Kristẹni.


“With respect to the joint profession of their faith as manifested in studying the Bible, answering questions on Bible topics and singing songs that are also based on Bible texts, it is clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses make a concerted effort to base everything on the Bible.


“Ọ̀nà tí wọ́n ń gbà ṣe ohun tí wọ́n jọ gbà gbọ́, ìyẹn kíkẹ́kọ̀ọ́ Bíbélì, dídáhùn àwọn ìbéèrè nípa Bíbélì àti kíkọ orin tó bá Bíbélì mu, jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ń sapá gidigidi láti ṣe gbogbo nǹkan lọ́nà tó bá Bíbélì mu.


“They also believe that a Christian’s religious life must include a congregation.


“Wọ́n tún gbà pé ìpàdé ìjọ wà lára ohun tí Kristẹni kan gbọ́dọ̀ máa pésẹ̀ sí.


Here too, Jehovah’s Witnesses analyze the New Testament, what is said about Jesus Christ and his disciples, his followers, and the early stages of the development of the Christian church. . . .


Láwọn ìpàdé náà, àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà máa ń ṣe àyẹ̀wò Májẹ̀mú Tuntun, ohun tó sọ nípa Jésù Kristi àtàwọn ọmọ ẹ̀yìn rẹ̀, àwọn ọmọlẹ́yìn rẹ̀ àti ìgbà tí ìjọ Kristẹni ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ bẹ̀rẹ̀. . . .


Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their religious life must take place as part of a religious congregation.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà gbà pé àwọn gbọ́dọ̀ máa sin Ọlọ́run pa pọ̀ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ìjọ.


“They emphasize that disciples of Jesus Christ would be identified by the love they have among themselves.”


“Wọ́n máa ń tẹnu mọ́ ọn pé ohun tá a fi ń dá àwọn ọmọ ẹ̀yìn Jésù Kristi mọ̀ ni ìfẹ́ tí wọ́n ní láàárín ara wọn.”


The preaching activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Iṣẹ́ ìwàásù àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


“Jehovah’s Witnesses are distinguished by their active preaching.


“A tún ń fi iṣẹ́ ìwàásù àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà dá wọn mọ̀.


I would put Jehovah’s Witnesses in first place when it comes to their preaching activity and zeal.


Mo lérò pé kò sẹ́ni tó ń wàásù bí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, kò sì sẹ́ni tó ní ìtara tó wọn.


Every believer must preach and spend some time preaching.


Gbogbo wọn gbọ́dọ̀ wàásù kí wọ́n sì lo àkókò díẹ̀ lẹ́nu iṣẹ́ ìwàásù.


“They generally say, ‘Here is what the Bible says.’


“Wọ́n sábà máa ń sọ pé, ‘Ohun tí Bíbélì sọ nìyí.’


A person can take the Bible and check for himself.


Ẹnì kan lè ṣí Bíbélì kí òun fúnra rẹ̀ sì yẹ̀ ẹ́ wò.


If he agrees, he will join them.


Bó bá fara mọ́ ohun tí Bíbélì sọ, á dara pọ̀ mọ́ wọn.


If he disagrees, he will not join them.


Bí kò bá sì fara mọ́ ọn, kò ní dara pọ̀ mọ́ wọn.


There is no coercion.”


Wọ́n kì í fipá múni.”


The accusation that Jehovah’s Witnesses are extremists.


Ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kan àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà pé wọ́n jẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.


“Initially, certain publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses were declared extremist because experts claimed that these publications asserted that the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the only true religion and all others are false.


“Ohun tó mú kí ìjọba kọ́kọ́ sọ pé agbawèrèmẹ́sìn làwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni pé àwọn ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n kan sọ pé àwọn ìwé wọn kan sọ pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nìkan ló ń ṣe ìsìn tòótọ́ àti pé àwọn ìsìn tó kù jẹ́ ìsìn èké.


Other denominations make similar claims, but in this case the accusations were made against Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Àwọn ẹlẹ́sìn míì náà máa ń sọ irú ọ̀rọ̀ bẹ́ẹ̀, àmọ́ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni wọ́n fẹ̀sùn kan nínú ẹjọ́ tó wà nílẹ̀ yìí.


The assertions that their religion is the only true one and all others are false were interpreted as propaganda of religious superiority.


Wọ́n ka ohun táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sọ pé ìsìn àwọn nìkan ni ìsìn tòótọ́ àti pé àwọn ìsìn tó kù jẹ́ èké sí ìpolongo ẹ̀tàn.


“From my standpoint as a religious scholar, a weakness of [the court decision] is that a person, if so inclined, could find assertions by any religious denomination that its religion is the only true religion and that all others are false or have been misled.


“Lójú tèmí gẹ́gẹ́ bí onímọ̀ nípa ẹ̀sìn, [ìpinnu ti ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe yìí] ò tọ̀nà, torí pé béèyàn bá yàn láti wádìí ọ̀rọ̀ náà wò, kò sí ẹlẹ́sìn tí ò ní sọ pé tòun ni ìsìn tòótọ́, ìsìn èké làwọn tó kù tàbí pé wọ́n ti ṣì wọ́n lọ́nà.


“To say that believers consider their religion to be the absolute truth and to consider other religions to be either absolutely false or mostly false certainly describes any religious person.


“Gbogbo ẹlẹ́sìn ló máa ń sọ pé tiwọn nìkan ni ìsìn tòótọ́, tí wọ́n á sì ka àwọn ẹ̀sìn tó kù sí ẹ̀sìn èké tàbí èyí tí kò fi taratara jóòótọ́.


It must be the case or one would be considered a hypocrite.


Bó ṣe yẹ kó rí náà nìyẹn àfi bí wọ́n bá máa ṣe àgàbàgebè ló kù.


“However, to the extent that God’s laws do not conflict with secular laws, Jehovah’s Witnesses diligently and consistently strive to obey secular laws.


“Àmọ́, àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà máa ń sapá nígbà gbogbo láti pa òfin ìjọba mọ́ bí kò bá ti forí gbárí pẹ̀lú òfin Ọlọ́run.


There is a reason why there are so many reports of Jehovah’s Witnesses returning lost wallets and paying fines or taxes that they could evade.


Ìdí nìyẹn tá a fi máa ń gbọ́ pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà dá pọ́ọ̀sì tí wọ́n rí he pa dà, wọ́n sì sanwó ìtanràn tàbí owó orí bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé wọ́n lè ṣàì ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀.


This is a conscious decision and I would not accuse them of any extremist pretense.”


Ìpinnu àtọkànwá lèyí jẹ́ mi ò sì ní fi ẹ̀sùn kàn wọ́n pé wọ́n jẹ́ agbawèrèmẹ́sìn tó wulẹ̀ ń díbọ́n.”


Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà Máa Ń Lo Bíbélì.


“Something unique about Jehovah’s Witnesses is that they use various Bible translations for study and in the ministry.


“Ohun kan tó ṣàrà ọ̀tọ̀ nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni pé wọ́n máa ń lo onírúurú ìtumọ̀ Bíbélì fún ìkẹ́kọ̀ọ́ àti lẹ́nu iṣẹ́ ìwàásù wọn.


They take great interest in distributing the Bible in different languages.


Wọ́n rí i bí ohun tó ṣe pàtàkì pé kí wọ́n mú káwọn èèyàn ní Bíbélì ní oríṣiríṣi èdè.


In this respect, they are uniquely Bible-centric.


Wọn ò dà bí àwọn ẹlẹ́sìn yòókù torí pé wọ́n pọkàn pọ̀ sórí Bíbélì.


Their Bible translation was actually declared extremist here . . .


Àwọn aláṣẹ ka ìtumọ̀ Bíbélì wọn sí ìwé àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn . . .


Perhaps those behind that decision thought that Jehovah’s Witnesses were exclusively attached to that translation and that Jehovah’s Witnesses would give up if it was eliminated from the game.


Bóyá àwọn tó ṣe ìpinnu yẹn rò pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti fẹ́ràn Bíbélì wọn jù àti pé wọ́n á ṣíwọ́ iṣẹ́ ìwàásù tí wọn ò bá jẹ́ kí wọ́n lo Bíbélì yẹn mọ́.


That was a wrong assumption.


Àṣìrò nìyẹn jẹ́.


Jehovah’s Witnesses see the value in each translation of the Bible.”


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ò fọwọ́ rọ́ ìtumọ̀ Bíbélì kankan sẹ́yìn.”


The use of legal entities for practicing faith.


Lílo àjọ tó ń bójú tó iṣẹ́ wa lábẹ́ òfin.


“The decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation shows that . . . the majority of congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses did not have a legal entity . . .


“Ìpinnu Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ti Orílẹ̀-Èdè Rọ́ṣíà fi hàn pé. . . èyí tó pọ̀ jù nínú ìjọ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kò ní àjọ tó ń bójú tó iṣẹ́ wọn lábẹ́ òfin . . .


Therefore, it is not accurate to say that every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in a certain area is automatically a member of a legal entity.


Torí náà, kò tọ̀nà láti sọ pé olúkúlùkù Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó wà ní agbègbè pàtó kan gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ́ ara àjọ tó ń bójú tó iṣẹ́ wọn lábẹ́ òfin.


“As for the legal entities . . . , I carefully studied their charters, in which there is no mention of overseers, elders, pioneers; such terms are not found therein.


“Ní ti àwọn àjọ tó ń bójú tó iṣẹ́ wọn lábẹ́ òfin . . . , mo fara balẹ̀ ṣàyẹ̀wò ìwé òfin tí wọ́n fi dá wọn sílẹ̀, wọn ò dárúkọ alábòójútó, alàgbà, aṣáájú-ọ̀nà; irú àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ bẹ́ẹ̀ ò sí níbẹ̀.


The charters usually refer to founders, a limited group of approximately ten persons.


Orúkọ àwọn olùdásílẹ̀ àjọ náà ló máa ń wà níbẹ̀, àwùjọ kéréje tí kì í ju nǹkan bí èèyàn mẹ́wàá lọ.


When it comes to purely canonical activity, they represent not the legal, but the canonical aspect of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. . . .


Àwọn tí orúkọ wọn ò sí nínú ìwé yẹn kọ́ ló ń ṣojú fún òfin, ohun tó jẹ mọ́ ọ̀rọ̀ ẹ̀sìn àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni wọ́n ń bójú tó. . . .


Their activity remains the same regardless of country or region.


Ohun táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ń ṣe ò sì yàtọ̀ síra láìka orílẹ̀-èdè tàbí ẹkùn ìpínlẹ̀ tí wọ́n wà sí.


“Jehovah’s Witnesses took note of the [Supreme Court decision that liquidated their legal entities only] by trying not to violate this Supreme Court decision outright.


“Ṣe ni àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà gbìyànjú láti fara mọ́ [ìpinnu Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ tó fi òfin de àjọ tó ń bójú tó iṣẹ́ wọn lábẹ́ òfin yìí] kí wọ́n má bàa ta ko ìpinnu Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ náà délẹ̀délẹ̀.


At the same time, they continue their activity as a religious denomination that has not been banned by the authorities.


Torí náà, wọ́n ń bá iṣẹ́ wọn nìṣó gẹ́gẹ́ bí ẹ̀sìn tí àwọn aláṣẹ ò fi òfin dè.


They continue their activity as private individuals who are practicing their religion.


Wọ́n ń bá iṣẹ́ wọn lọ bí olùjọsìn tó wà láyè ara ẹ̀.


From their perspective and from the standpoint of religious studies, their activity does not violate the Supreme Court decision.”


Lójú wọn àti bí ìwádìí nípa ẹ̀sìn ṣe fi hàn, iṣẹ́ wọn ò ta ko ìpinnu Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ.”


Jehovah’s Witnesses and blood transfusions.


Ojú tí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà fi ń wo gbígba ẹ̀jẹ̀.


“The Bible says that ‘life is in the blood’; therefore, blood should never be used.


“Bíbélì sọ pé ‘inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ ni ẹ̀mí wà’; torí náà ẹ kò gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ ẹ̀jẹ̀.


The context is a dietary prohibition, but they interpret it more broadly.


Ọ̀rọ̀ nípa irú oúnjẹ téèyàn ò gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ ni ibí yìí ń sọ, amọ́ wọ́n mú kí ìtumọ̀ rẹ̀ túbọ̀ gbòòrò.


They believe that blood should not be used in any form, not in food (they do not eat blood sausage) nor as a blood transfusion.


Wọ́n gbà pé èèyàn ò gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ ẹ̀jẹ̀ ní ọ̀nà èyíkéyìí, yálà nínú oúnjẹ (wọn kì í jẹ sọ́séèjì tí wọ́n po ẹ̀jẹ̀ mọ́) tàbí nípa gbígbà á sára.


They do, however, accept minor blood fractions.


Ṣùgbọ́n, wọ́n máa ń lo àwọn ìpín kékeré látara èròjà ẹ̀jẹ̀.


It is up to each believer . . .


Ẹnì kọ̀ọ̀kan ló máa pinnu ìyẹn . . .


By refusing a blood transfusion they are not choosing to die, instead, they want quality treatment and first-rate medical assistance.


Kì í ṣe pé wọ́n fẹ́ kú ni wọ́n ṣe ń sọ pé àwọn ò gbẹ̀jẹ̀, ṣe ni wọ́n fẹ́ ìtọ́jú tó péye àti àbójútó ìṣègùn tó dáa.


Blood transfusions, in their view and from various medical standpoints, come with a risk because a person can contract AIDS or something else.


Wọ́n mọ̀, àwọn oníṣègùn náà sì gbà pé ìgbẹ̀jẹ̀sára léwu torí pé ẹni tó gbẹ̀jẹ̀ sára lè kó àrùn Éèdì tàbí irú àrùn míì.


Bloodless surgeries provide a higher guarantee, and I see from examining the statistics that wealthy people often prefer to forgo blood transfusions because this guarantees better protection from infections and complications.”


Iṣẹ́ abẹ láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀ ló fọkàn ẹni balẹ̀ jù, mo sì ti rí i nígbà tí mo ṣàyẹ̀wò àkọsílẹ̀ ìṣirò pé àwọn ọlọ́rọ̀ kì í sábà fẹ́ láti gbẹ̀jẹ̀ torí pé ìyẹn ni ò ní jẹ́ kí wọ́n kó àrùn tàbí kí wọ́n ní ìṣòro.”


Jehovah’s Witnesses and donations.


Ojú tí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà fi ń wo ọrẹ.


“A person can choose not to make any donations.


“Ẹnì kan lè pinnu pé òun ò ní fi owó ṣètọrẹ.


Theoretically speaking, one can actually attend meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses his whole life and never contribute a single ruble or dollar.


Ó ṣeé ṣe kí ẹnì kan fi gbogbo ọjọ́ ayé rẹ̀ lọ sí ìpàdé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kó má sì dá kọ́bọ̀.


It is up to each individual whether to contribute or not.”


Ọwọ́ ẹnì kọ̀ọ̀kan ló kù sí láti pinnu bóyá òun á fi owó ṣètọrẹ tàbí òun ò ní ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀.”


Although Dr. Ivanenko authoritatively testified that Jehovah’s Witnesses are conscientious, law-abiding Christians, the court ignored his arguments and sentenced all six brothers to various terms of imprisonment.


Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ọ̀mọ̀wé Ivanenko fi ìdánilójú jẹ́rìí sí i pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kì í ṣe arúfin, wọ́n sì máa ń pa òfin mọ́, ilé ẹjọ́ kó àlàyé rẹ dà nù wọ́n sì ní kí àwọn arákùnrin mẹ́fẹ̀ẹ̀fà lọ lògbà tó yàtọ̀ síra lẹ́wọ̀n.


"As Russia continues to accuse our brothers falsely and imprison them unjustly, it remains our prayer that Jehovah bless our courageous and faithful fellow worshippers with the joy of his approval.—Psalm 109:2-4, 28."""


"Bí orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà ṣe ń bá a nìṣo láti máa fi ẹ̀sùn èké kan àwọn ará wa tí wọ́n sì ń fi wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n láìtọ́, a ò ní yé gbàdúrà pé kí Jèhófà máa rọ̀jò ibùkún rẹ̀ sórí àwọn ará wa tí wọ́n jẹ́ onígboyà àti olóòótọ́ kí inú wọn lè máa dùn pé àwọn ní ìtẹ́wọ́gbà rẹ̀.—Sáàmù 109:2-4, 28."""


"""On February 14, 2020, the Vilyuchinsk City Court convicted Brother Mikhail Popov and his wife, Sister Yelena Popova."


"""Ní February 14, 2020, Ilé-Ẹjọ́ ìlú ńlá Vilyuchinsk dá Arákùnrin Mikhail Popov àti ìyàwó rẹ̀ Arábìnrin Yelena Popov lẹ́bi."


The court fined them 350,000 rubles ($5,508 U.S.) and 300,000 rubles ($4,722 U.S.), respectively, but did not sentence them to any prison time.


Ilé-Ẹjọ́ ní kí Arákùnrin Mikhail Popov san 350,000 rubles ($5,508 U.S.) owó ìtanràn, wọ́n sì ní kí ìyàwó rẹ̀ Arábìnrin Yelena Popov san 300,000 rubles ($4,722 U.S.), àmọ́ wọn ò fi wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n rárá.


They will both appeal their convictions.


Àwọn méjèèjì máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ìdájọ́ yìí.


Mikhail and Yelena were arrested in July 2018.


Ìjọba mú Mikhail àti Yelena ní July 2018.


Shortly afterward, they were released to await trial.


Kò sì pẹ́ tí wọ́n fi wọ́n sílẹ̀, wọ́n sì ní kí wọ́n máa dúró de ìdájọ́ wọn.


Since 2019, Russian courts have convicted 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses for their faith.


Láti ọdún 2019, ilé-ẹjọ́ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà ti dá àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà méjìdínlọ́gbọ̀n (28) lẹ́bi nítorí ìgbàgbọ́ wọn.


"Ten of these brothers and sisters were convicted in just the last two months. However, these ten are not currently imprisoned."""


"Nínú oṣù méjì tó kọjá nìkan, mẹ́wàá nínú àwọn arákùnrin àti àwọn arábìnrin wọ̀nyí ni wọ́n dá lẹ́bi. Àmọ́, wọn ò tíì fi wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n báyìí."""


"""On Friday, August 30, 2019, Brother Valeriy Moskalenko delivered his concluding comments to the court."


"""Ní Friday, August 30, 2019, Arákùnrin Valeriy Moskalenko sọ ọ̀rọ̀ àsọkágbá rẹ̀ fún ilé ẹjọ́."


The following is a partial transcript (translated from Russian) of his testimonial:


Díẹ̀ rèé (tá a túmọ̀ láti èdè Rọ́ṣíà) lára ọ̀rọ̀ tó sọ níwájú ilé ẹjọ́:


Your Honor and distinguished attendants, I am 52 years old and the past year I have been kept in custody.


Ọ̀gá Àgbà àti gbogbo ẹ̀yin ọlọ́lá tó wà níkàlẹ̀, ọmọ ọdún méjìléláàádọ́ta (52) ni mí, ọdún tó kọjá yìí ni wọ́n fi mí sí àtìmọ́lé.


To be exact, it has been over a year now.


Tàbí kí n kúkú sọ ní tààràtà pé ó ti lé ní ọdún kan báyìí.


In my final words at this court session, I want to tell you briefly about myself, how I view the criminal charges, and about my personal view of life.


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ àsọkágbá mi fún ilé ẹjọ́ yìí, mo fẹ́ ṣàlàyé ṣókí fún yín nípa ara mi, ojú ti mo fi wo ẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kàn mí àti ọwọ́ tí mo fi mú ìwàláàyè.


I hope very much that you, Your Honor, will understand why I will not renounce my faith in God and why believing in God is not a crime.


Ọ̀gá Àgbà, mo nírètí pé ẹ máa lóye ìdí ti mi ò fi ní sẹ́ ìgbàgbọ́ tí mo ní nínú Ọlọ́run àti ìdí kò fi sí ẹ̀ṣẹ̀ nínú kéèyàn gba Ọlọ́run gbọ́.


I have not always been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kọ́ ni mí látilẹ̀ wá.


My parents were kind and gave me a good upbringing, but even as a child it bothered me that there was so much injustice everywhere.


Èèyàn rere làwọn òbí mi wọ́n sì kọ́ mi dáadáa, síbẹ̀ látìgbà tí mo ti wà lọ́mọdé ló ti máa ń dùn mí pé ìwà ìrẹ́jẹ kún ibi gbogbo.


I thought, ‘This is not the way it should be—evil people and deceivers flourish, and honest and kind people suffer.’


Mo máa ń ronú pé, ‘Kì í ṣe bó ṣe yẹ kí nǹkan rí nìyí, àwọn ẹni ibi àtàwọn ẹlẹ́tàn ń gbèrú, àwọn olóòótọ́ àti ẹni rere sì ń jìyà.’


At the age of 24, having seriously researched and studied the Bible for several months, I found answers to my questions.


Nígbà tí mo wà lọ́mọ ọdún mẹ́rìnlélógún (24), mo ṣèwádìí gan-an nínú Bíbélì fún ọ̀pọ̀ oṣù, mo sì rí ìdáhùn sí àwọn ìbéèrè mi.


Since then, I have been trying to make decisions that take into account God’s feelings, laws, and principles, which are described in detail


Àtìgbà ló ti jẹ́ pé kí n tó ṣe ìpinnu, mo kọ́kọ́ máa ń ronú nípa ojú tí Ọlọ́run á fi wo ohun tí mo fẹ́ ṣe, màá sì tún ronú nípa àwọn òfin àti ìlànà rẹ̀.


[in the Bible] and are exemplified in the lives of [worshippers] who lived in the past.


[Bíbélì] ṣàlàyé àwọn òfin àti ìlànà náà ní kíkún, èèyàn sì lè mọ púpọ̀ sí i nípa wọn téèyàn bá kẹ́kọ̀ọ́ nípa àwọn tó sin Ọlọ́run nígbà àtijọ́.


I live with my mother in the same flat.


Inú ilé kan náà ni èmi àti màmá mi ń gbé.


She is elderly and needs my care.


Wọ́n ti dàgbà, ó sì yẹ kí n máa tọ́jú wọn.


On August 1, 2018, when my mother was home alone, the Federal Security Service (FSB) investigator instructed the Special Forces to saw through the hinges of our front door.


Ní August 1, 2018, nígbà tí màmá mi nìkan wà nínú ilé, Àwọn Òṣìṣẹ́ Aláàbò ti Ìjọba (FSB) tí wọ́n ń ṣe iṣẹ́ ìwádìí sọ fún Àwọn Ọlọ́pàá Àkànṣe pé kí wọ́n fi ayùn rẹ́ ilẹ̀kùn iwájú ìta ilé wa kúrò lára férémù.


This is the way the investigator intended to enter my flat to conduct a search.


Ọ̀nà tí ẹni tó wá ṣèwádìí náà yàn láti gbà wọnú ilé mí nìyẹn o.


My mother was very frightened.


Ẹ̀rù ba màmá mi gan-an.


After the masked Special Forces broke into our flat, my mother had a heart attack and an ambulance had to be called.


Lẹ́yìn tí Àwọn Ọlọ́pàá Àkànṣe tó da aṣọ bojú náà já wọnú ilé wa, àyà màmá mi jà débi pé wọ́n ní àrùn ọkàn wọ́n sì ní láti pe áńbúláǹsì kó wá gbé wọn.


Upon learning that the police were in my home, I arrived 30 minutes later.


Ọgbọ̀n ìṣẹ́jú lẹ́yìn tí mo gbọ́ pé àwọn ọlọ́pàá ti lọ sí ilé wa ni mo pa dà délé.


When I saw my mother’s condition, my own blood pressure spiked.


Nígbà tí mo rí ipò tí màmá mi wà, ìfúnpá tèmi náà ga sí i. Láìka gbogbo èyí sí, mi ò fi ṣèbínú, ṣe ni mo fọwọ́ wọ́nú.


Despite all this, I did not get angry and I tried to maintain my composure. I was kind—as befits a Christian.


Mò ń fi ìfẹ́ hùwà, bó ṣe yẹ kí Kristẹni ṣe.


My God, Jehovah, taught me that and I don’t want to displease him.


Ohun tí Jèhófà, Ọlọ́run mi fi kọ́ mi nìyẹn, mi ò sì fẹ́ ṣe ohun tó máa mú un bínú.


I’m sorry, your Honor, I usually don’t talk about myself this much.


Ẹ forí jì mí, Ọ̀gá Àgbà, èmi kì í sọ̀rọ̀ nípa ara mi tó báyìí.


It’s not my habit, but now I must do so.


Kì í ṣe ìwà mi, ọ̀rọ̀ ló bá mo-kó-mo-rò wá o.


I have been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 25 years.


Ó lé ní ọdún mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (25) tí mo ti di Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


That is a large portion of my life.


Ẹ̀sìn tí mo fi èyí tó pọ̀ jù nínú ìgbésí ayé mi ṣe nìyẹn.


And all this time I have never been considered an extremist.


Látìgbà tí mo sì ti ń ṣe ẹ̀sìn náà, kò sẹ́ni tó kà mí sí agbawèrèmẹ́sìn rí.


On the contrary, I was known as a good neighbor, a conscientious worker, and a caring son.


Kàkà bẹ́ẹ̀, aládùúgbò rere làwọn èèyàn kà mí sí, ẹni tó ń fi tọkàntọkàn ṣiṣẹ́ àti ọmọ tó ń tọ́jú òbí ẹ̀.


Suddenly, since April 20, 2017, I have been called an extremist.


Ṣàdédé ni wọ́n bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í pè mí ní agbawèrèmẹ́sìn láti April 20, 2017.


On what grounds?


Torí kí ni?


What has changed?


Ìwà búburú wo ní wọ́n bá lọ́wọ́ mi?


Have I become worse? No.


Ṣé mo ti ń hùwà àìdá ni? Rárá o.


Have I become violent or caused someone pain and suffering? No.


Ṣé mo ti di oníwà ipá ni àbí mo ti di ẹni tó ń fi ìyà jẹ àwọn míì tó sì ń fa ìrora fún wọn? Rárá o.


Have I lost the right to avail myself of Article 28 of the Russian Constitution?


Ṣé mi ò lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti jàǹfààní ohun tí Abala Kejìdínlọ́gbọ̀n nínú Òfin Orílẹ̀-Èdè Rọ́ṣíà sọ ni?


Also no.


Rárá nìyẹn náà.


My name was not listed in the decision of the Supreme Court.


Orúkọ mi ò sí lára àwọn tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


Nobody has deprived me of the right to use the Constitution of the Russian Federation, in particular Article 28.


Kò sẹ́ni tó gba ẹ̀tọ́ àtilo Òfin Orílẹ̀-Èdè Rọ́ṣíà lọ́wọ́ mi, pàápàá jù lọ Abala Kejìdínlọ́gbọ̀n.


Then why am I here at the defendant’s bench?


Kí ló wá sọ mí di ẹni tó ń jẹ́jọ́ nílé ẹjọ́?


From my conversations with the investigator, it became even more evident that I was arrested and held in custody because I am a believer who uses the name of the Almighty God, Jehovah, in my prayers and speech.


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ tí èmi àti olùṣèwádìí jọ sọ, ó túbọ̀ ṣe kedere pé torí pé mo gba Jèhófà, Ọlọ́run Olódùmarè gbọ́ mo sì ń lo orúkọ rẹ̀ nínú àdúrà àti ọ̀rọ̀ mi ni wọ́n ṣe mú mi tí wọ́n sì fi mí sí àtìmọ́lé.


But this is not a crime.


Àmọ́, ẹ̀ṣẹ̀ ò sí nínú ìyẹn.


God himself has chosen his name and made sure that it was recorded in the Bible.


Ọlọ́run ló sọ ara rẹ̀ lórúkọ, tó sì rí i dájú pé orúkọ náà wà nínú Bíbélì.


I repeat again and again, it is completely unthinkable for me to go against the will of God that is clearly expressed in the Bible.


Mò ń sọ ọ́ léraléra pé mi ò ní ta ko ohun tí Ọlọ́run bá pa láṣẹ lọ́nà tó ṣe kedere nínú Bíbélì.


And regardless of how I might be pressured or punished—even if I were sentenced to death—I declare that not even then would I abandon the almighty Creator of the universe, Jehovah God.


Bó sì ti wù kéèyàn yọ mí lẹ́nu tàbí kó jẹ mí níyà tó, kódà tí wọ́n bá dájọ́ ikú fún mi, mo fẹ́ kó di mímọ̀ pé mi ò ní fi Jèhófà Ọlọ́run, Ẹlẹ́dàá ayé òun ọ̀run sílẹ̀ láé.


Your Honor, Jehovah’s Witnesses are known throughout the world as friendly and peace-loving people.


Ọ̀gá Àgbà, ibi gbogbo kárí ayé ni wọ́n ti mọ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sí ẹni tó dùn ún bá rìn àti ẹni tó nífẹ̀ẹ́ àlàáfíà.


Their rights as believers are respected in the vast majority of countries around the world.


Ní ọ̀pọ̀ orílẹ̀-èdè kárí ayé, wọ́n kì í fi ẹ̀tọ́ tí wọ́n ní láti gba Ọlọ́run gbọ́ dù wọ́n.


I would very much like the rights of believers to be respected in Russia as well and, in this instance, my rights as a believer.


Ó máa wù mí pé ká má ṣe fi ẹ̀tọ́ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà dù wọ́n ní orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà náà, kò sì ní yẹ kí ilé ẹjọ́ yìí fi ẹ̀tọ́ tí mo ní láti gba Ọlọ́run gbọ́ dù mí.


I am not guilty of the crime of which I am accused and I ask the court to render a not guilty verdict!


Mi ò jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kàn mí, mo sì rọ ilé ẹjọ́ yìí láti má ṣe dá mi lẹ́bi!


"Thank you!"""


"Ẹ ṣeun!"""


"""A United Nations (UN) panel of international legal experts has concluded that Russia’s arrest and detention of Brother Dmitriy Mikhaylov was “discriminatory on the basis of religion” and thus violated international law."


"""Àwọn ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n lórí ọ̀rọ̀ òfin ti àjọ Ìṣọ̀kan Àgbáyé ti sọ pé bí ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà ṣe fàṣẹ ọba mú Arákùnrin Dmitriy Mikhaylov tí wọ́n sì fi í sẹ́wọ̀n “nítorí ohun tó gbà gbọ́ fi hàn pé wọ́n hùwà àìtọ́ sí i,” wọ́n sì ti tẹ òfin àpapọ̀ àwọn ìjọba lójú."


They also urged Russia to drop all criminal charges against Brother Mikhaylov.


Àwùjọ àwọn ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n náà tún rọ ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà pé wọn ò gbọ́dọ̀ fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn èyíkéyìí kan Arákùnrin Mikhaylov mọ́.


According to the 12-page opinion of the panel, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), Brother Mikhaylov’s actions “have always been entirely peaceful.”


Ó tó ojú ìwé méjìlá tí ìgbìmọ̀ tí wọ́n ń pè ní Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) fi kọ èrò wọn nípa Arákùnrin Mikhaylov, wọ́n sọ pé “kò sígbà tó ṣe ohun tó dí àlàáfíà ìlú lọ́wọ́.”


Additionally, “there is no evidence that he or indeed the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Russian Federation have ever been violent or incited others to violence.”


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, “kò sí ẹ̀rí kankan tó fi hàn pé òun tàbí Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà èyíkéyìí lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà jẹ́ oníwà ipá, wọn kì í sì í rọ àwọn míì pé kí wọ́n hùwà ipá.”


The WGAD concluded that Brother Mikhaylov “did nothing more than exercise his right to freedom of religion” and “should not have been arrested and held in pretrial detention.”


Ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD wá pinnu pé ńṣe ni Arákùnrin Mikhaylov “kàn lo ẹ̀tọ́ tó ní láti ṣe ìsìn tó wù ú” kò sì “yẹ kí wọ́n fàṣẹ ọba mú un débi tí wọ́n á fi jù ú sí àhámọ́ láìgbọ́ ẹjọ́ ẹ̀.”


Therefore, he is entitled to compensation for his lost wages as well as for his personal loss of freedom while he was unlawfully detained.


Nítorí náà, ó yẹ kí ìjọba san owó ìtanràn fún un torí pé kò ráyè ṣiṣẹ́ ní gbogbo àkókò tó fi wà lẹ́wọ̀n, àti pé wọ́n jù ú sẹ́wọ̀n láì jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kàn án.


The WGAD also recognized that Brother Mikhaylov is not alone in suffering injustice for his faith.


Ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD tún kíyè sí i pé kì í ṣe Arákùnrin Mikhaylov nìkan ni wọ́n ń fìyà jẹ nítorí ohun tó gbà gbọ́.


He is “only one of the now ever-growing number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Russian Federation who have been arrested, detained, and charged with criminal activity on the basis of mere exercise of freedom of religion”—a right protected by international law.


Òun náà jẹ́ “ọ̀kan lára àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà tí wọ́n fàṣẹ ọba mú, tí wọ́n fi sẹ́wọ̀n, tí wọ́n sì ti fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kàn nítorí pé wọ́n ń lo ẹ̀tọ́ tí wọ́n ní láti ṣe ìsìn tó wù wọ́n,” ó sì jẹ́ ẹ̀tọ́ tí òfin àpapọ̀ àwọn ìjọba fọwọ́ sí.


Thus, in an effort to condemn the broader persecution of our fellow worshippers in Russia, the WGAD explicitly stated that their opinion applied not only to Brother Mikhaylov’s wrongful detention but to all Jehovah’s Witnesses who are “in situations similar to that of Mr. Mikhaylov.”


Torí náà, ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé kì í ṣe Arákùnrin Mikhaylov nìkan lọ̀rọ̀ yìí kàn, ó tún kan bí wọ́n ṣe ń fi gbogbo àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sẹ́wọ̀n láìtọ́ “lọ́nà tó jọ ti Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Mikhaylov.”


Brother Mikhaylov began studying the Bible as a teenager and was baptized in 1993, when he was 16 years old.


Ọ̀dọ́ ni Arákùnrin Mikhaylov nígbà tó bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí kẹ́kọ̀ọ́ Bíbélì, ó sì ṣèrìbọmi nígbà tó pé ọmọ ọdún mẹ́rìndínlógún (16) lọ́dún 1993.


In 2003, he married Yelena, and they began serving Jehovah together.


Lọ́dún 2003, ó fẹ́ Yelena, àwọn méjèèjì sì jọ ń sin Jèhófà.


In 2018, Brother and Sister Mikhaylov discovered that the authorities had been tapping their phones and had them under video surveillance for several months.


Lọ́dún 2018, Arákùnrin àti Arábìnrin Mikhaylov kíyè sí i pé fún ọ̀pọ̀ oṣù làwọn aláṣẹ ti ń ṣọ́ wọn ni ti pé wọ́n ń tẹ́tí sí ọ̀rọ̀ wọn lórí fóònù, wọ́n sì tọ́jú kámẹ́rà sílé wọn.


On April 19, 2018, the Investigation Committee of the Russian Federation in the Ivanovo region opened a criminal case against Brother Mikhaylov and heavily armed officers came to search his home.


Ní April 19, 2018, Ìgbìmọ̀ Tó Ń Ṣèwádìí ní Àgbègbè Ivanovo Lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kan Arákùnrin Mikhaylov, làwọn ọlọ́pàá tó dira ogun bá lọ tú ilé rẹ̀ yẹ́bẹ́yẹ́bẹ́.


A little over a month later, he was arrested and detained, under the claim of financing “extremist” activity.


Kò ju oṣù kan lẹ́yìn ìyẹn, wọ́n fàṣẹ ọba mú un wọ́n sì jù ú sẹ́wọ̀n, wọ́n fẹ̀sùn kàn án pé ó ń fi owó ṣètìlẹ́yìn fáwọn “agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.”


After spending nearly six months—171 days—in pretrial detention, he was released.


Wọ́n tú u sílẹ̀ lẹ́yìn tó ti fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ lo oṣù mẹ́fà lẹ́wọ̀n.


However, his travel and communication are restricted for as long as the authorities keep his criminal investigation open.


Torí pé ìwádìí ṣì ń lọ lọ́wọ́ lórí ẹjọ́ rẹ̀, àwọn aláṣẹ ò jẹ́ kó rìnrìn-àjò, wọ́n sì ń ṣọ́ ọ lọ́wọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀ bó ṣe ń bá àwọn èèyàn sọ̀rọ̀.


The Russian government has six months to respond to the WGAD’s opinion in which they must state whether the criminal case against Mikhaylov has been closed, whether compensation has been provided, and whether the violators of his rights have been investigated.


Oṣù mẹ́fà ni ìjọba ilẹ̀ Rọ́ṣíà ní láti fèsì lórí ìpinnu tí ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD ṣe, wọ́n gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ́ kí ìgbìmọ̀ náà mọ̀ bóyá ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn tí wọ́n fi kan Mikhaylov ti parí, bóyá wọ́n ti san owó ìtanràn fún un, bóyá wọ́n sì ti ṣèwádìí nípa àwọn tó fìyà jẹ ẹ́ láìṣẹ̀.


A similar WGAD opinion likely effected change in the case of Brother Teymur Akhmedov from Kazakhstan.


Ó ṣeé ṣe kó jẹ́ pé ìpinnu tí ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD ṣe yìí ló mú kí ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Kazakhstan dá Arákùnrin Teymur Akhmedov sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n.


In 2017, he was arrested and subsequently sentenced to a five-year term for peacefully sharing his faith with others.


Lọ́dún 2017, wọ́n fàṣẹ ọba mú un, wọ́n sì rán an lọ sí ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún márùn-ún torí pé ó ń sọ ohun tó gbà gbọ́ fáwọn ẹlòmíì láìfi dí àlàáfíà ìlú lọ́wọ́.


Having exhausted all domestic remedies, lawyers for Brother Akhmedov filed a complaint with the WGAD.


Gbogbo ilé ẹjọ́ tó wà ní Kazakhstan ni wọ́n gbé ẹjọ́ náà lọ, àmọ́ kò lójú, ni agbẹjọ́rò Arákùnrin Akhmedov bá gbé ẹjọ́ náà lọ sọ́dọ̀ ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD.


In their opinion dated October 2, 2017, the WGAD condemned the actions of the Kazakh authorities and called for Brother Akhmedov’s release.


Nínú ìpinnu tí ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD ṣe ní October 2, 2017, wọ́n ní ìwà tí àwọn aláṣẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Kazakhstan hù kò dáa, wọ́n sì ní kí wọ́n tú Arákùnrin Akhmedov sílẹ̀.


Six months later, the president of Kazakhstan pardoned Brother Akhmedov.


Lẹ́yìn oṣù mẹ́fà, ààrẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Kazakhstan wá sọ ọ́ ní gbangba pé Arákùnrin Akhmedov kì í ṣe ọ̀daràn.


He was released from custody on April 4, 2018.


Ní April 4, 2018, wọ́n dá a sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n.


Regardless of how Russia responds to the decision of the WGAD in Brother Mikhaylov’s case, our full trust is in the promise: “Happy is the man who takes refuge in [Jehovah].”


Yálà orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà máa ṣe ohun tí ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD ní kí wọ́n ṣe fún Arákùnrin Mikhaylov tàbí wọn ò ní ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀, ọkàn wa balẹ̀ torí Bíbélì sọ pé: “Aláyọ̀ ni ọkùnrin tí ó fi [Jèhófà] ṣe ibi ààbò.”


We pray that Jehovah continues to care for our brothers and sisters in Russia who face criminal action, so they will further experience how all who courageously trust in Him “will lack nothing good.”—Psalm 34:8, 10.


Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà máa bójú tó àwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa tí wọ́n ń fi ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kàn ní Rọ́ṣíà, kí wọ́n lè rí i pé gbogbo ẹni tó bá nígboyà tó sì gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé Jèhófà kò ní “ṣaláìní ohun rere.”—Sáàmù 34:8, 10.


A UN panel of five international experts mandated to investigate cases of detention that are inconsistent with international standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international documents.


Ó jẹ́ ìgbìmọ̀ àwọn ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n ẹlẹ́ni márùn-ún tí àjọ Ìṣọ̀kan Àgbáyé dá sílẹ̀, kí wọ́n lè máa ṣèwádìí àwọn tí ìjọba rán lọ sẹ́wọ̀n lọ́nà àìtọ́.


In order to establish the facts, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) has the right to receive information from the authorities and nongovernmental organizations.


Ìgbìmọ̀ náà máa pinnu bóyá ìjọba ti tàpá sí òfin tí àpapọ̀ àwọn ìjọba là kalẹ̀ bó ṣe wà nínú Ìwé Ìpolongo Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn Lágbàáyé àtàwọn ìwé míì.


It also may meet with detainees and members of their families.


Kí wọ́n ba à lè fìdí òtítọ́ múlẹ̀, ìgbìmọ̀ Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti wádìí ọ̀rọ̀ lọ́dọ̀ àwọn aláṣẹ àtàwọn iléeṣẹ́ tí kì í ṣe ti ìjọba kí wọ́n lè gba ìsọfúnni tí wọ́n nílò.


The WGAD presents its conclusions and recommendations to governments, as well as to the UN Human Rights Council.


Ó tiẹ̀ lè gba pé kí wọ́n rí ẹni tí wọ́n fi sẹ́wọ̀n náà àti ìdílé rẹ̀. Lẹ́yìn náà, ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD á wá sọ ìpinnu àti àbá wọn fún ìjọba títí kan Àjọ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Àjọ Ìṣọ̀kan Àgbáyé.


"Although the opinions of the WGAD are not enforceable, they are often publicized and can generate international attention, which may influence world leaders to adhere to international law."""


"Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ìgbìmọ̀ WGAD ò lè fi dandan lé e pé kí ìjọba tẹ̀ lé ìpinnu wọn, wọ́n máa ń jẹ́ kí gbogbo èèyàn lágbàáyé mọ ìpinnu tí wọ́n bá ṣe. Ìyẹn sì lè mú káwọn aláṣẹ tẹ̀ lé ìpinnu wọn."""


"""Andrzej Oniszczuk, a Polish citizen and one of our dear brothers, has been in pretrial detention in Russia since security forces arrested him on October 9, 2018."


"""Láti October 9, 2018 táwọn agbófinró ti mú Anrzej Oniszczuk, tó jẹ́ ọmọ orílẹ̀-èdè Poland àti arákùnrin kan, wọn ò tíì gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn títí di báyìí."


His detention was recently extended for the fifth time.


Ẹ̀karùn-ún rèé tí wọ́n máa sún àkókò tó fi wà látìmọ́lé síwájú.


His new term is scheduled to end on October 2, just days short of a year incarcerated.


October 2 ni wọ́n ṣètò pé kó parí àtìmọ́lé rẹ̀, ìyẹn ọjọ́ díẹ̀ kó pé ọdún kan tó ti wà ní àhámọ́.


Andrzej, prior to being arrested, with his wife, Anna.


Arákùnrin Andrzej àti ìyàwó rẹ̀ Anna, ṣáájú kí wọ́n tó mú un lọ sí àtìmọ́lé.


She has not been allowed to visit him since his arrest ten months ago


Wọn ò gba Anna láyè láti rí ọkọ rẹ̀ láti oṣù mẹ́wàá sẹ́yìn


Since being detained, Andrzej has been held in solitary confinement.


Àtìmọ́lé ni Andrzej wà látìgbà tí wọ́n ti mú un.


From 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., he is not permitted to lie down.


Orí ìdúró ló máa ń wà láti aago mẹ́fà àárọ̀ títí di aago mẹ́sàn-án alẹ́.


He is only allowed to take a shower with hot water once a week for 15 minutes.


Ẹ̀ẹ̀kan lọ́sẹ̀ ni wọ́n fàyè gbà á láti fi omi tó ń lọ́ wọ́ọ́rọ́ wẹ̀ fún ìṣẹ́jú mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dógún.


Andrzej’s wife, Anna, has not been allowed to visit Andrzej for the ten months he has been in detention.


Fún oṣù mẹ́wàá tó fi wà láhàámọ́, wọn ò jẹ́ kí Anna ìyàwó rẹ̀ rí i.


They can only communicate by mail.


Lẹ́tà ni wọ́n fi ń bára wọn sọ̀rọ̀.


She has submitted numerous requests to visit Andrzej, but each time she has been denied.


Ọ̀pọ̀ ìgbà ni Anna ti kọ̀wé sí àwọn aláṣẹ pé kí wọ́n gbà á láyè láti rí ọkọ rẹ̀, ṣùgbọ́n wọn ò dá a lóhùn.


As previously reported, Andrzej was arrested after local police and masked special forces raided his home and 18 others in Kirov.


Bá a ṣe sọ ṣáájú, ìgbà tí àwọn ọlọ́pàá àtàwọn ológun tó fi nǹkan bojú fipá ya wọ ilé Andrzej àtàwọn méjìdínlógún (18) míì nílùú Kirov ni wọ́n mú un.


A criminal case was opened against Andrzej for singing Kingdom songs and studying religious literature.


Wọ́n fẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn kàn àn torí ó ń kọrin ìjọba Ọlọ́run, ó sì tún ń ka ìtẹ̀jáde wa.


Along with Andrzej, four other brothers from Kirov (44-year-old Maksim Khalturin, 66-year-old Vladimir Korobeynikov, 26-year-old Andrey Suvorkov, and 41-year-old Evgeniy Suvorkov) were arrested last year and placed in pretrial detention.


Lọ́dún tó kọjá, wọ́n mú Andrzej àtàwọn arákùnrin mẹ́rin míì nílùú Kirov (ìyẹn, Maksim Khalturin, ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìnlélógójì (44), Vladimir Korobeynikov, ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìndínláàádọ́rin (66), Andrey Suvorkov, ẹni ọdún mẹ́rìndínlọ́gbọ̀n (26) àti Evgeniy Suvorkov, ẹni ọdún mọ́kànlélógójì (41) sátìmọ́lé láì tíì gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


They have since been placed under house arrest.


Àtìgbà yẹn ni wọ́n ti ní wọn ò gbọdọ̀ jáde nílé.


Andrzej’s case, together with these four, is pending with the European Court of Human Rights.


Ní báyìí, ẹjọ́ Andrzej àti tàwọn arákùnrin mẹ́rin yẹn ti wà ní Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù.


This year, Russian authorities have opened criminal cases against seven more brothers from Kirov—the oldest is 70-year-old Yevgeniy Udintsev.


Lọ́dún yìí, ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà tún ti fẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn kan àwọn arákùnrin méje míì ní Kirov, Yevgeniy Udintsev tó jẹ́ ẹni àádọ́rin ọdún (70) ló dàgbà jù.


A total of 12 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kirov are now facing criminal charges for practicing their faith.


Ní báyìí, àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tí wọ́n ń kojú ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn ní Kirov nítorí ìgbàgbọ́ wọn ti di méjìlá (12).


"Regarding Andrzej, Anna, and the rest of our dear Russian brothers and sisters, may we never forget the inspired reminder: “Keep in mind those in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them, and those being mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.”—Hebrews 13:3."""


"Ohun tó ń ṣẹlẹ̀ sí Andrzej, Anna àtàwọn ará wa ọwọ̀n tó wà lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà, ń rán wa létí ọ̀rọ̀ tí Ọlọ́run mí sí, tó sọ pé: “Ẹ máa rántí àwọn tó wà nínú ẹ̀wọ̀n, bí ẹni pé ẹ jọ wà lẹ́wọ̀n àti àwọn tí wọ́n ń fìyà jẹ, torí pé ẹ̀yin fúnra yín náà wà nínú ara.”—Hébérù 13:3."""


On the morning of June 7, 2018, 10 of the wives of the 17 imprisoned Witnesses in Russia sent an open letter to Mikhail Fedotov, adviser to President Putin and chairman of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights.