(John 13:34, 35) We know that Jehovah will continue to sustain our brothers during this ordeal.


(Jòhánù 13:34, 35) A mọ̀ pé Jèhófà á túbọ̀ máa gbé àwọn ará wa ró lásìkò wàhálà yìí.


Location: Athens Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece


Ibi Tá A Ti Ṣe É: Pápá ìṣeré Athens Olympic Stadium ní ìlú Athens, Greece


Program Languages: Albanian, English, Greek, Greek Sign Language, Romany (southern Greece), Russian


Èdè: Albanian, Gẹ̀ẹ́sì, Gíríìkì, Èdè Adití ti Gíríìkì, Romany (ti Gúúsù Greece), Russian


Peak Attendance: 36,873


Àwọn Tó Wá: 36,873


Total Number Baptized: 406


Àwọn Tó Ṣèrìbọmi: 406


Àwọn Tó Wá Láti Ìlẹ̀ Òkèèrè: 6,000


Invited Branches: Albania, Armenia, Australasia, Bulgaria, Central America, Central Europe, Fiji, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Turkey, United States


Áwọn Ẹ̀ka Ọ́fíísì Tó Wá: Alibéníà, Àméníà, Australasia, Bọ̀géríà, Central America, Central Europe, Fíjì, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Tọ́kì, Amẹ́rikà


Local Experience: A travel agent stated: “I’ve worked my whole life as a travel agent, and I have never seen anywhere in the world such a good way to organize and manage travelers.


Ìrírí: Òṣìṣẹ́ kan tọ́ máa ń ṣètó ìrìn àjò sọ pé: “Látìgbà tí mo ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ iṣẹ́ síṣètò ìrìn àjò, mí ò tíì rí ibikíbi láyé tí wọ́n ti ń ṣètò tó dáà bí eléyìí, kí wọ́n sì tún bójú tó àwọn arìnrìn àjò.


I watched you yesterday, and I could not believe it!


Ńṣe ni mò ń wò yín lánàá, ẹ wú mi lórí gan-an!


You organized 2,600 people within a few hours in a manner that is better than many professionals.


Ẹ ṣètò ẹgbẹ̀rún méjì ó lé ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́fà (2,600) arìnrìn àjò láàárìn wákàtí díẹ̀ lọ́nà tó dáa ju ti àwọn akọ́ṣẹ́mọṣẹ́ lọ.


But the most wonderful part is your smile.


Èyí tó wú mi lórí jù ni ẹ̀rín músẹ́ tó wà lójú yín.


Believe me, I’ve worked for years in this field, and I can discern when someone smiles ‘professionally’ from when they smile from their heart.


Kí n sọ̀ótọ́, ọ̀pọ̀ ọdún ni mo ti wà lẹ́nu iṣẹ́ yìí, mo sì máa ń mọ̀ tẹ́nì kan bá ń rẹ́rìn-ín látọkàn wá tàbí tó bá jẹ́ pé ẹ̀rín ẹ̀ ò dọ́kàn.


And you all smile from your heart.”


Àmọ́, gbogbo yín lẹ̀ ń rẹ́rìn-ín látọkàn.”


Medical professionals visit our booth at the SIAARTI conference in Palermo Many doctors have expressed appreciation for the worldwide network that our organization has established to provide information about medical and surgical treatment strategies to avoid blood transfusion.


Àwọn dókítà ṣèbẹ̀wò síbi ìpàtẹ wa níbi àpérò SIAARTI tí wọ́n ṣe ni erékùṣù Palermo Ọ̀pọ̀ dókítà ló ń dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ ètò wa torí ìsọfúnni tá a pèsè kárí ayé nípa onírúurú ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn àti iṣẹ́ abẹ láìfa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára.


Hospital Information Services (Italy), located at the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rome, is part of this worldwide network.


Ẹ̀ka Tó Ń Pèsè Ìsọfúnni fún Àwọn Ilé Ìwòsàn (lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì), tó wà ní ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nílùú Róòmù wà lára ètò tá a dá sílẹ̀ kárí ayé.


Late last year, representatives of Hospital Information Services (Italy) and local Hospital Liaison Committee members staffed an information booth at the National Congress of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI), which was held from October 10 to 13, 2018, in Palermo, Sicily.


Ní October 10 sí 13, 2018, ẹgbẹ́ kan lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì tá a mọ̀ sí Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) ṣe àpérò kan nílùú Palermo ní erékùṣù Sísílì.


Immediately after that conference, the brothers were also exhibitors at the Joint Congress of the Scientific Societies of Surgery hosted at the Rome “La Nuvola” Convention Center.


Níbi àpérò náà, àwọn tó ń ṣojú fún Ẹ̀ka Tó Ń Pèsè Ìsọfúnni fún Àwọn Ilé Ìwòsàn (lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì) àtàwọn tó wà nínú Ìgbìmọ̀ Alárinà Ilé Ìwòsàn ṣètò ìpàtẹ kan. Lẹ́yìn tí wọ́n parí àpérò yẹn, àwọn arákùnrin wa tún gbé ìpàtẹ yẹn lọ síbi àpérò Joint Congress of the Scientific Societies of Surgery tí wọ́n ṣe ní gbọ̀ngàn àpérò “La Nuvola” nílùú Róòmù.


Such conferences are opportunities to provide up-to-date information related to bloodless medicine to many interested medical professionals at one time.


A máa ń lo àǹfààní àwọn àpérò yìí láti pèsè àwọn ìsọfúnni tuntun nípa ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀ fún gbogbo dókítà tó nífẹ̀ẹ́ sí i.


The conference in Palermo was attended by 2,800 anesthesiologists.


Àwọn dókítà tó ń pa ìrora nígbà iṣẹ́ abẹ tí iye wọn tó ẹgbẹ̀rún méjì àti ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́jọ (2,800) ló wá síbi àpérò tí wọ́n ṣe nílùú Palermo.


The conference in Rome, considered the largest surgical conference ever held in Italy, was attended by 3,500 surgeons.


Ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́ta àti ọgọ́rùn-ún márùn-ún (3,500) dókítà tó ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ ló wá síbi àpérò tí wọ́n ṣe nílùú Róòmù. Ó sì jọ pé àpérò àwọn dókítà tó ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ tó tíì gbòòrò jù lọ tí wọ́n ṣe lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì nìyẹn.


Representatives from a variety of respected medical institutions also attended.


Àwọn aṣojú láwọn ilé ìwòsàn tó lórúkọ ló pésẹ̀ síbi àpérò náà.


This included members from all of the Italian associations of surgeons and from the Italy Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.


Títí kan gbogbo àwọn tó wà nínú ẹgbẹ́ tá a mọ̀ sí Italian associations of surgeons àti American College of Surgeons ti orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì.


Several national institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, backed the event.


Ọ̀pọ̀ ilé iṣẹ́ ló sì ti ètò náà lẹ́yìn, irú bí Ilé Iṣẹ́ Ètò Ìlera.


Anesthesiologist Vincenzo Scuderi, from the Policlinico Hospital of Catania in Sicily, visited our booth at the Palermo event.


Dókítà kan tó ń jẹ́ Vincenzo Scuderi láti Ilé Ìwòsàn Policlinico ti Catania ní erékùṣù Sísílì, wá síbi ìpàtẹ wa níbi àpérò tí wọ́n ṣe nílùú Palermo.


On January 18, 2019, he performed emergency treatment on a Witness patient affected by an aortic dissection.


Ní January 18, 2019, dókítà náà ṣe iṣẹ́ abẹ pàjáwìrì fún Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kan tó ní àìsàn tí wọ́n ń pè ní aortic dissection.


He was able to complete the highly complex procedure without using blood.


Dókítà náà ṣe iṣẹ́ abẹ tó díjú yìí láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀.


Dr. Scuderi explains: “[Your booth] at the SIAARTI 2018 Congress was instrumental.


Dókítà Scuderi ṣàlàyé pé: “[Ìpàtẹ] tẹ́ ẹ ṣe níbi àpérò SIAARTI lọ́dún 2018 ràn mí lọ́wọ́ gan-an.


The presentation kit really was of great assistance.” Currently, over 5,000 doctors in Italy have agreed to treat patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses with safe and effective medical and surgical techniques that do not require the use of blood transfusions.


Àwọn ìsọfúnni tẹ́ ẹ fún wa sì gbéṣẹ́ gan an.” Ní báyìí, àwọn dókítà tó ju ẹgbẹ̀rún márùn-ún (5,000) lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì ti gbà láti máa tọ́jú àwọn aláìsàn tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nípa lílo ìlànà ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn àti iṣẹ́ abẹ tí kò léwu, tó gbéṣẹ́, tí kò sì nílò ìfàjẹ̀sínilára.


Every year in Italy, an average of 16,000 Witness patients are treated in this way.


Lọ́dọọdún, ìpíndọ́gba àwọn aláìsàn tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tí iye wọn tó ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́rìndínlógún (16,000) ló ń gba ìtọ́jú láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀ lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì.


After the conferences, anesthesiologists and surgeons shared their experiences of working with Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Lẹ́yìn àpérò náà, àwọn dókítà tó ń fún èèyàn láwọn oògùn tó ń dín ìrora kù àtàwọn tó ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ sọ ìrírí tí wọ́n ní nígbà tí wọ́n tọ́jú àwọn aláìsàn tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


“For years Jehovah’s Witness patients have been a part of my professional experience.


“Ọ̀pọ̀ ọdún ni mo fi tọ́jú àwọn aláìsàn tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


Over the last few years, the Working Group for the docuanment on the refusal of blood transfusion of the SIAARTI Study Group on Bioethics has worked to provide guidelines to anesthesiologists, enabling them to take a unified position in the face of complex surgical and anesthesiological conditions with regard to the patient’s pathology and comorbidity.


Àwùjọ kan wà nínú ẹgbẹ́ SIAARTI tó máa ń rí sí ọ̀rọ̀ àwọn tí kò fẹ́ gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára. Ní nǹkan bí ọdún mélòó kan sẹ́yìn, àwùjọ yìí fún àwọn dókítà tó ń pa ìrora nígbà iṣẹ́ abẹ ní ìtọ́ni tí wọ́n á máa tẹ̀ lé nígbà tí wọ́n bá fẹ́ ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ tó díjú fún aláìsàn kan. Èyí máa jẹ́ káwọn dókítà mọ ọ̀nà tó dáa jù lọ láti tọ́jú aláìsàn náà.


The document makes it explicit that ‘the right of self-determination in relation to health care is a fundamental right of the person guaranteed by the Constitution (Articles 2, 13, and 32), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Oviedo Convention, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.’”—Antonio Corcione, coordinator of the regional transplant center for the Campania region, director of anesthesia and intensive care units at the Monaldi Hospital, former president of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) “My experience with Jehovah’s Witnesses motivated me and all my colleagues to refine blood-saving and postoperative management techniques in order to limit the need for transfusion support.


Ìtọ́ni náà ṣe kedere nínú Ìwé Òfin (Àpilẹ̀kọ 2, 13 àti 32), Ìpolongo Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn Lágbàáyé, Àpéjọ Oviedo, àti nínú ìwé òfin Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù.’ ” —Antonio Corcione, tó jẹ́ olùṣekòkáárí ní ojúkò tí wọ́n ti ń pààrọ̀ ẹ̀yà ara ti agbègbè Campania. Òun ló ń bójú tó ẹ̀ka àwọn tó ń pa ìrora nígbà iṣẹ́ abẹ tó sì ń pèsè ìtọ́jú àkànṣe ní ilé ìwòsàn Monaldi. Ó sì tún fìgbà kan jẹ́ ààrẹ ẹgbẹ́ Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). “Ìrírí tí mo ní nígbà tí mo tọ́jú àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti ran èmi àtàwọn dókítà míì títí kan àwọn nọ́ọ̀sì lọ́wọ́, ó ti jẹ́ ká ṣàtúnṣe sí ọ̀nà tá à ń gbà ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ kí ẹ̀jẹ̀ tó máa dànù lè dín kù gan-an. Nípa bẹ́ẹ̀, aláìsan náà ò ní nílò ìfàjẹ̀sínilára.


This path has certainly benefited some people who expressed their refusal of transfusions, but also allowed us to avoid transfusions in many other patients who were willing to accept them.”—Ugo Boggi, full professor of general surgery at the University of Pisa (Italy), adjunct associate professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh (USA), president-elect of the Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) “Liver transplant is the most complex of all.


Èyí ti mú kó rọrùn láti tọ́jú àwọn tí kò fẹ́ gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára, bákan náà a lè lo ọ̀nà yìí láti tọ́jú àwọn míì tí ò kọ̀ láti gba ẹ̀jẹ̀.”—Ugo Boggi, tó jẹ́ ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n nípa onírúurú iṣẹ́ abẹ ní University of Pisa (Ítálì), òun ni igbákejì ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n nínú iṣẹ́ abẹ ní University of Pittsburgh (USA), òun tún ni ààrẹ tí wọ́n ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ yàn fún ẹgbẹ́ Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) “Nínú gbogbo ẹ̀yà ara, ẹ̀dọ̀ ló ṣòro pààrọ̀ jù lọ.


It is two, three, or four times more complex compared to other transplants, and there is a high risk of bleeding.


Ẹ̀jẹ̀ tó sì máa ń dà tá a bá ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ inú ẹ̀dọ̀ pọ̀ débi pé ó lè la ẹ̀mí lọ.


Despite this, because we have scientific evidence from thousands of cases worldwide, with tens of thousands of liver transplant cases, we can say that we know the ‘tricks of the trade.’


Àmọ́, torí ẹ̀rí wà pé ẹgbẹẹgbẹ̀rún iṣẹ́ abẹ yìí ló wáyé kárí ayé, títí kan ọgọ́rọ̀ọ̀rún iṣẹ́ abẹ tá a ti pààrọ̀ ẹ̀dọ̀, a lè fi gbogbo ẹnu sọ pé a ti mọ ọ̀nà tó gbéṣẹ́ tá a lè fi dènà ẹ̀jẹ̀ tó ń dà lára.


They are, in fact, proven techniques that help to avoid bleeding.


Ká sòótọ́, a ti rí i pé ọgbọ́n wà tá a lè dá ká lè dènà ẹ̀jẹ̀ tó ń dà lára nígbà iṣẹ́ abẹ.


We know how to avoid blood transfusions.


A ti mọ bá a ṣe lè ṣe é láìfa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára.


The vast majority of our liver surgeries, even transplants, are performed entirely without the use of blood.


Ó fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ jẹ́ pé gbogbo iṣẹ́ abẹ inú ẹ̀dọ̀ títí kan iṣẹ́ abẹ tá a fi ń pààrọ̀ ẹ̀dọ̀ là ń ṣe láìsí pé wọ́n fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára.


In liver surgery, blood transfusions are now an exception because we have switched from a less precise surgery, which was used a few years ago, to a type of microsurgery that monitors each vessel.


Nígbà tá a bá ń ṣe iṣẹ́ abẹ inú ẹ̀dọ̀, a kì í sábà fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára mọ́, torí pé dípò ká lò ọ̀nà tá a máa ń lò lọ́dún díẹ̀ sẹ́yìn, ṣe la ń ṣe iṣẹ́ abẹ náà lọ́nà tá a jẹ́ ká kíyè sí iṣan kọ̀ọ̀kan tó ń gbẹ́ ẹ̀jẹ̀ káàkiri inú ara.


I have to thank Jehovah’s Witnesses because they opened the way to something which we hadn’t paid much attention to 10 or 15 years ago—the blood-saving topic.”—Umberto Cillo, full professor of general surgery and director of the hepatobiliary and liver transplant unit at the University of Padua, president of the Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) “I appreciate Witness patients very much because the unshakable faith in their beliefs is admirable.


Mo dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà torí pé àwọn ló jẹ́ ká mọ̀ nípa ohun tá ò tiẹ̀ ronú kàn ní nǹkan bí ọdún mẹ́wàá sí mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dógún sẹ́yìn, ìyẹn bá ò ṣe ní máa fi ẹ̀jẹ̀ ṣòfò—Umberto Cillo, tó jẹ́ ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n nípa onírúurú iṣẹ́ abẹ àti olùdarí ẹ̀ka tó ń tọ́jú ẹ̀dọ̀ tó sì ń pààrọ̀ rẹ̀ ní Yunifásítì Padua, òun tún ni ààrẹ ẹgbẹ́ Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) “Mo bọ̀wọ̀ fáwọn aláìsàn tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà gan-an torí wọ́n ní ìgbàgbọ́ tó lágbára.


And this is one of the reasons why, over the years, I have always tried to make adjustments in order to please them.


Ó sì jẹ́ ọ̀kan lára ohun tó jẹ́ kí n sapá láti ọ̀pọ̀ ọdún wá kí n lè ṣàtúnṣe, kí n sì ṣe ohun tó máa múnú wọn dùn.


I consider them people worthy of the highest regard.


Mo gbà pé wọ́n yẹ lẹ́ni téèyàn ń bọ̀wọ̀ tó jinlẹ̀ fún.


Jehovah’s Witnesses are not people who want to die or be martyrs at all; they are people who look for quality medical care.”—Francesco Corcione, full professor of surgery at the University of Naples Federico II, president emeritus of the Italian Society of Surgery (SIC), honorary member of the Académie Nationale de Chirurgie, Paris, France “The relationship with Jehovah’s Witnesses further convinced me of the need for extreme respect that my profession owes to the cultural and religious convictions of patients.


Kò wu àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà pé kí wọ́n kú, àmọ́ ojúlówó ìtọ́jú ni wọ́n ń fẹ́.”—Francesco Corcione, tó jẹ́ ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n nípa iṣẹ́ abẹ ní University of Naples Federico II, òun ni ààrẹ àgbà ẹgbẹ́ Italian Society of Surgery (SIC), olóyè pàtàkì sì tún ni nínú ẹgbẹ́ Académie Nationale de Chirurgie, ìlú Paris lórílẹ̀-èdè Faransé “Ohun tí mo kọ́ lára àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti jẹ́ kí n túbọ̀ gbà pé ó yẹ káwọn dókítà àtàwọn nọ́ọ̀sì máa bọ̀wọ̀ tó jinlẹ̀ fún àṣà ìbílẹ̀ àti ẹ̀sìn àwọn aláìsàn.


I feel a lot of backing from the recent legislative recognition in Italy with Law 219 of December 2017, ‘Provisions for informed consent and advance directives,’ where it states that ‘no health-care treatment can be initiated or continued without the person’s free and informed consent.’ If the surgeon communicates with the patient in a competent, free, and responsible way, there will surely be advantages for both in terms of sharing responsibilities, increasing the degree of freedom, and ultimately a more adequate and effective treatment path.”—Luca Ansaloni, director of general and emergency surgery unit at the Bufalini Hospital of Cesena, president of the Italian Society of Surgical Physiopathology (SIFIPAC) “Jehovah’s Witnesses have greatly contributed to the refinement of treatment strategies that avoid blood transfusions.


Mo gbà pé orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì náà ti fọwọ́ sí ìwé òfin kan, ìyẹn Law 219 of December 2017 tí wọ́n pè ní ‘Provisions for informed consent and advance directives.’ Òfin yìí sọ pé kí dókítà tàbí nọ́ọ̀sì tó bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí tọ́jú aláìsàn kan, aláìsàn náà gbọ́dọ̀ lóye irú ìtọ́jú tó fẹ́ gbà lẹ́kùn-ún-rẹ́rẹ́, ó sì gbọ́dọ̀ fọwọ́ sí i pé kí wọ́n fóun nírú ìtọ́jú bẹ́ẹ̀.’ Tí dókítà tó fẹ́ ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ náà bá ṣàlàyé bí ìtọ́jú náà ṣe máa rí lọ́nà tó yéni tó sí rọrùn, a jẹ́ pé dókítà àti aláìsàn náà ti jọ fọwọ́ sí ìtọ́jú náà, ìyẹn á sì jẹ́ kí aláìsàn náà túbọ̀ lómìnira láti ṣe ìpinnu tó bá wù ú. Nípa bẹ́ẹ̀, ìtọ́jú náà á túbọ̀ gbéṣẹ́.”—Luca Ansaloni, tó jẹ́ olùdarí ẹ̀ka onírúurú iṣẹ́ abẹ àti iṣẹ́ abẹ pàjáwìrì ní Ilé Ìwòsàn Bufalini ní Cesena, ó tún jẹ́ ààrẹ ẹgbẹ́ Italian Society of Surgical Physiopathology (SIFIPAC) “Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti ràn wá lọ́wọ́ gan-an láti jẹ́ ká mọ ọgbọ́n tó túbọ̀ gbéṣẹ́ táá mú ká yẹra fún ìfàjẹ̀sínilára.


New surgical technologies are instrumental in respecting the will of patients who for religious reasons refuse blood transfusions.


Àwọn ẹ̀rọ ìgbàlódé tí wọ́n fi ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ ti ṣèrànwọ́ gan-an fáwọn dókítà tí wọ́n gbà láti bọ̀wọ̀ fún ìpinnu aláìsàn tó kọ̀ láti gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára torí ohun tó gbà gbọ́.


There are definite advantages to the cost-benefit ratio of bloodless medicine.”—Diego Piazza, president of the Italian Medical Association of Catania, director of oncological surgery at the Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital of Catania, former president of the Italian Association of Hospital Surgeons (ACOI) “The apparent ‘harmless’ nature of blood transfusions, their perceived easy availability, their relatively low cost, the ease with which they can be prescribed, and the possibility to immediately observe their effectiveness (in terms of increased hemoglobin levels)—all these aspects have contributed to their widespread use.


Kéèyàn tọ́jú aláìsàn láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀ máa dín ìnáwó kù gan-an, òun ló sì dáa jù.”—Diego Piazza, tó jẹ́ ààrẹ ẹgbẹ́ Italian Medical Association of Catania, òun ni olùdarí ẹ̀ka tó ń tọ́jú àìsàn jẹjẹrẹ ní Ilé Ìwòsàn Garibaldi-Nesima ní ìlú Catania, òun sì ni ààrẹ ẹgbẹ́ Italian Association of Hospital Surgeons tẹ́lẹ̀ (ACOI) “Àwọn dókítà kan rò pé kò séwu nínú kéèyàn gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára. Wọ́n nífẹ̀ẹ́ sí ìfàjẹ̀sínilára torí pé ó rọrùn láti gbà, kò wọ́n rárá, ó sì rọrùn láti dábàá rẹ̀ fún aláìsàn. Ohun míì tó jẹ́ kí wọ́n fẹ́ láti máa fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára ni pé ó tètè máa ń jẹ́ kí èròjà hemoglobin nínú sẹ́ẹ̀lì pupa inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ lọ sókè lára aláìsàn. Ìdí nìyẹn tí ọ̀pọ̀ dókítà fi máa ń fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára.


However, the evidence related to the possible harmful effects connected to the transfusions of both concentrated red blood cells and the other blood components has increased each year.


Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ọdọọdún la túbọ̀ ń rí ẹ̀rí tó fi hàn pé, ó léwu gan-an tá a bá fa ògidì sẹ́ẹ̀lì pupa inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ tàbí èyíkéyìí lára èròjà ẹ̀jẹ̀ síni lára.


In fact, several studies have shown that transfused patients incur complications more frequently than nontransfused patients and worse outcomes with increased risk of mortality, morbidity (stroke, renal injury, thromboembolic events, infections, respiratory failure), and prolonged hospitalization.


Kódà, ọ̀pọ̀ ìwádìí fi hàn pé aláìsàn tó gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára máa ń níṣòro ju aláìsàn tí kò gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára lọ. Àwọn tó gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára tètè máa ń kú tàbí kí wọ́n tètè ṣàìsàn, wọ́n sì máa ń pẹ́ nílé ìwòsàn torí àìsàn rọpá rọsẹ̀, egbò inú kíndìnrín, ẹ̀jẹ̀ tó ń dì, kòkòrò inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ àti àìsàn tí kì í jẹ́ kéèyàn lè mí dáadáa.


I think that the treatment of Jehovah’s Witness patients over the past 50 years has led clinicians to greater awareness of blood conservation and of the progress in bloodless surgery.”—Giandomenico Biancofiore, director of the complex operative unit of anesthesia and resuscitation in transplants at the Pisa University Hospital, associate professor of anesthesiology and resuscitation at the University of Pisa


Mo gbà pé ọ̀nà tá a gbà tọ́jú àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà láti àádọ́ta (50) ọdún sẹ́yìn ti mú káwọn dókítà mọ bí wọ́n ò ṣe ní jẹ́ kí ẹ̀jẹ̀ ṣòfò nígbà tí wọ́n bá ń ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ àti bí wọ́n ṣe lè ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ láìlo ẹ̀jẹ̀.”—Giandomenico Biancofiore, tó jẹ́ olùdarí iṣẹ́ abẹ tó díjú ní ẹ̀ka anesthesia and resuscitation in transplants ní Pisa University Hospital, òun sì ni igbákejì ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n ní ẹ̀ka anesthesiology and resuscitation ní University of Pisa


On April 6, 2018, the Court of Termini Imerese in Sicily, Italy, ruled that a surgeon was criminally liable for forcing a blood transfusion on a woman who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Ní April 6, 2018, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Termini Imerese nílùú Sicily lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì dájọ́ pé dókítà oníṣẹ́ abẹ kan jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn torí pé ó fipá fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ sí obìnrin kan tó jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lára.


The surgeon was ordered to pay her 10,000 euros ($11,605 U.S.) in damages as down payment for compensation and another 5,000 euros ($5,803 U.S.) in compensation to her husband, who is also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Wọ́n ní kí dókítà náà san ẹgbẹ̀rún mọ́kànlá àti ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́fà ó lé márùn-ún owó dọ́là ti ilẹ̀ Amẹ́ríkà ($11,605 U.S.) fún obìnrin náà gẹ́gẹ́ bí owó gbà-máà-bínú, kó sì tún san ẹgbẹ̀rún márùn-ún àti ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́jọ ó lé mẹ́ta owó dọ́là ti ilẹ̀ Amẹ́ríkà ($5,803 U.S.) fún ọkọ obìnrin náà tóun náà jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


This ruling is the first time an Italian court has found a doctor criminally responsible for violating the fundamental right to have control over what is done to one’s own body in line with one’s beliefs.


Ìgbà àkọ́kọ́ rèé tí ilé ẹjọ́ ilẹ̀ Ítálì máa dájọ́ pé dókítà kan jẹ̀bi ẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn torí pé ó fi ẹ̀tọ́ tí aláìsàn ní lábẹ́ òfin dù ú, níwọ̀n ìgbà tó jẹ́ pé èèyàn lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti pinnu ohunkóhun tó fẹ́ kí ẹlòmíì ṣe sí ara òun.


The case involved a sister who, after having gallbladder surgery in December 2010, began experiencing complications.


Ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ gan-an ni pé ní December 2010, wọ́n ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ fún arábìnrin tá à ń sọ̀rọ̀ ẹ̀ yìí níbi òróòro, àmọ́ àwọn ìṣòro kan jẹyọ lẹ́yìn iṣẹ́ abẹ náà.


Even though she persistently refused to accept blood products, she was physically restrained and forcibly given a transfusion of red blood cells.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé léraléra ló ń sọ pé òun ò gba èròjà inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára, agbára ẹ̀ ò ká dókítà náà, ó sì fipá fa àwọn sẹ́ẹ̀lì pupa inú ẹ̀jẹ̀ sí i lára.


Her surgeon falsely claimed to have authorization from a magistrate.


Dókítà tó ṣiṣẹ́ abẹ náà parọ́ pé adájọ́ ilé ẹjọ́ ló fún òun láṣẹ láti ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀.


Subsequently, she and her husband filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Public Prosecutor.


Nígbà tó yá, obìnrin náà àti ọkọ ẹ̀ fẹjọ́ sun Ọ́fíìsì Olùpẹ̀jọ́.


The court decided that in “the circumstance of a Jehovah’s Witness, of legal age and fully capable, .


Ilé ẹjọ́ sì pinnu pé “tí Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kan bá ti dàgbà tó lábẹ́ òfin, tó sì ní làákàyè tó, .


the doctor must refrain from providing this treatment” if it violates the recipient’s will.


dókítà ò gbọ́dọ̀ fún un nírú ìtọ́jú yìí” tí onítọ̀hún bá ti lóhun ò fẹ́.


The court also declared that the Constitution of Italy prohibits doctors from administering treatments without consent even if the doctor claims that the treatment is necessary.


Ilé ẹjọ́ tún kéde pé Òfin Orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì ò fàyè gbà á kí dókítà fipá fún ẹnì kan ní irú ìtọ́jú kan pàtó tó bá ti lóun ò fẹ́, kódà kí dókítà sọ pé ó dáa kó gba irú ìtọ́jú bẹ́ẹ̀.


According to the court decision, “the justification of the state of necessity .


Bí ilé ẹjọ́ náà ṣe sọ, “ti pé dókítà rí i pé ìtọ́jú kan pọn dandan .


is not applicable in presence of a clearly expressed, free and valid dissent.” In his medical report for the trial, Daniele Rodriguez, professor of Legal Medicine and Bioethics at Padua University and expert witness, observed that “the right to refuse a specific health treatment is protected by regulations of constitutional rank and made explicit by [article] 32 of the [Italian] Constitution stating that ‘no one may be obliged to undergo a particular health treatment except under the provisions of the law.’”


kì í ṣe àwáwí láti fipá mú kí aláìsàn gba ìtọ́jú tó ti fara balẹ̀ ṣàlàyé lọ́nà tó ṣe kedere pé òun ò fẹ́.” Daniele Rodriguez, tó jẹ́ ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n ní Ẹ̀ka Ìmọ̀ Ìṣègùn Lábẹ́ Òfin àti Ìlànà Ìtọ́jú ní Yunifásítì Padua, tún jẹ́rìí sí ọ̀rọ̀ yìí nígbà tó ń jábọ̀ lórí ẹjọ́ náà. Ó kíyè sí i pé “[àpilẹ̀kọ] 32 nínú Òfin [Ítálì] jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé èèyàn lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti sọ pé òun ò gba irú ìtọ́jú kan pàtó.


Commenting on the court’s decision, Italian jurist and health law expert Luca Benci, wrote in Quotidiano Sanità (Health Daily): “There is no law that imposes a blood transfusion on dissenting patients.


Òfin sọ pé ‘a ò gbọ́dọ̀ fipá mú ẹnikẹ́ni láti gba irú ìtọ́jú kan pàtó àfi tí òfin bá fọwọ́ sí i.’” Amòfin kan lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì, tó sì tún jẹ́ ògbóǹkangí nínú òfin tó jẹ mọ́ ìlera, tórúkọ ẹ̀ ń jẹ́ Luca Benci sọ̀rọ̀ lórí ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe, ohun tó kọ nínú ìwé Quotidiano Sanità (Health Daily) rèé: “Kò sí òfin tó sọ pé ó pọn dandan kí aláìsàn gba ẹ̀jẹ̀ sára tó bá lóun ò fẹ́.


The refusal of treatment prevails over all other aspects.” Marcello Rifici, a lawyer with the litigation team for Jehovah’s Witnesses, states: “We are pleased to see that this ruling is in line with established European standards, such as those codified by decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, that maintain the right to self-determination for all patients.


Ẹ̀tọ́ tí aláìsàn ní láti sọ pé òun ò gba irú ìtọ́jú kan borí ohun gbogbo.” Ọ̀kan lára àwọn agbẹjọ́rò àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó ń jẹ́ Marcello Rifici sọ pé: “Inú wa dùn láti rí i pé ẹjọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ dá yìí bá ìlànà tí wọ́n ń tẹ̀ lé nílẹ̀ Yúróòpù mu, bí èyí tó hàn nínú àwọn ẹjọ́ tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù ti dá, tó jẹ́ kó ṣe kedere pé gbogbo aláìsàn ló lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti pinnu irú ìtọ́jú tí wọ́n fẹ́.


Interestingly, in 2017 the Italian Parliament established law 219/2017, known as the ‘Living Will Law,’ which underscores the same principles as this decision.” Lucio Marsella, also a lawyer with the litigation team, comments: “The ruling constitutes a precedent that stands as a guarantee for all the doctors who conscientiously and courageously strive to cure patients in the best way possible while respecting their dignity of choice.”


Kẹ́ ẹ sì máa wò ó, lọ́dún 2017, Ilé Ìgbìmọ̀ Aṣòfin Ilẹ̀ Ítálì ṣe òfin 219/2017, tí wọ́n mọ̀ sí ‘Òfin Ohun Tí Mo Fẹ́,’ (ìyẹn Living Will Law) àwọn ìlànà inú òfin yẹn sì bá ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe yìí mu.” Òmíì lára àwọn agbẹjọ́rò àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó ń jẹ́ Lucio Marsella tún sọ pé: “Ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe yìí máa ṣèrànwọ́ fún gbogbo àwọn dókítà onígboyà tó ń ṣe gbogbo ohun tí wọ́n lè ṣe láti tọ́jú àwọn aláìsàn láìfi ẹ̀tọ́ tí wọ́n ní láti yan ìtọ́jú tí wọ́n fẹ́ dù wọ́n.”


On August 22, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples, Italy, destroying numerous buildings and displacing some 2,600 people.


Ní August 22, ìmìtìtì ilẹ̀ tó lágbára kan ṣẹlẹ̀ ní erékùṣù Ischia tó wà létíkun ìlú Naples, lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì. Ìmìtìtì ilẹ̀ náà ba ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ilé jẹ́, ó sì sọ nǹkan bí ẹgbẹ̀rún méjì ó lé ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́fà [2,600] èèyàn di aláìnílé.


Over 40 people were injured and 2 were killed.


Ó lé ní ogójì [40] èèyàn tó fara pa, àwọn méjì ló sì kú.


No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported among the 633 Jehovah’s Witnesses who live on the island, but the homes of 9 Witness families were damaged.


A ò tíì gbọ́ pé ìkankan nínú àwọn ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́fà ó lé mẹ́tàlélọ́gbọ̀n [633] Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó ń gbé ní erékùṣù náà ko jàǹbá tàbí fara gbọgbẹ́, àmọ́ ilé àwọn ìdílé Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà mẹ́sàn-án ló bà jẹ́.


Local Witnesses are providing assistance and spiritual comfort to their fellow members that were affected.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó wà lágbègbè náà ti ń ran àwọn ará bíi tiwọn lọ́wọ́, ìyẹn àwọn tọ́rọ̀ yìí kàn, wọ́n sì ń fi ọ̀rọ̀ Ọlọ́run tù wọ́n nínú.


Media Contacts: International: David A. Semonian, Office of Public Information, +1-845-524-3000 Italy: Christian Di Blasio, +39-06-872941


Agbẹnusọ fún Àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà: Kárí Ayé: David A. Semonian, Ọ́fíìsì Agbéròyìnjáde, +1-845-524-3000 Ítálì: Christian Di Blasio, +39-06-872941


On May 15, 2019, Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation, the highest court in the land, strengthened our brothers’ right to make decisions regarding their own medical care.


Ní May 15, 2019, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga jù Lọ ní Ítálì fọwọ́ sí i pé àwọn ará wa lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti pinnu irú ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn tó wù wọ́n.


The Court confirmed that a patient has the right to select a health-care agent who will uphold the patient’s decision to refuse a blood transfusion.


Ilé ẹjọ́ náà mú kó ṣe kedere pé aláìsàn kan lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti yan aṣojú fún ọ̀rọ̀ ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn, tó sì máa gbèjà aláìsàn náà kí wọ́n má bàa fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ sí i lára.


Additionally, the Court confirmed that Italian law provides for the legal appointment of a health-care agent, even if, because of his health condition, he could imminently become unconscious or impaired in some way.


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, Ilé ẹjọ́ náà tẹnu mọ́ ọn pé ó bófin mu lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì kí aláìsàn kan yan ẹni tó máa ṣojú fúnni lórí ọ̀rọ̀ ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn tó bá ṣẹlẹ̀ pé aláìsàn náà dákú gbọnrangandan tàbí kò lè sọ̀rọ̀ mọ́.


Brother and Sister Cappelli The decision was the result of a series of trials involving Brother Luca Cappelli, a congregation elder.


Arákùnrin àti Arábìnrin Cappelli Ilé ẹjọ́ ṣe ìpinnu yìí nítorí àwọn ẹjọ́ tó wáyé nípa Arákùnrin Luca Cappelli tó jẹ́ alàgbà nínú ìjọ.


For the past 25 years, he has been afflicted by an abnormality of the blood vessels in the brain.


Ó ti tó ọdún mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (25) báyìí tó ti ní ìṣòro inú iṣan tí ẹ̀jẹ́ ń gbà kọjá nínú ọpọlọ.


Brother Cappelli’s condition not only requires multiple medical procedures, but also at times impairs his ability to communicate.


Àìsàn tó ń ṣe Arákùnrin Cappelli le débi pé ó nílò onírúurú ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn àti pé nígbà míì kò ní lè sọ̀rọ̀.


In advance of his treatments, he conscientiously filled out an Advance Medical Directive and designated his wife, Francesca, as his health-care agent.


Kí wọ́n tó bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í tọ́jú ẹ̀, ó rí i pé òun kọ̀rọ̀ kún káàdì Advance Medical Directive, ó sì yan ìyàwó rẹ̀ Francesca láti ṣojú fún un nínú ọ̀rọ̀ ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn.


However, a judge and a court of appeal refused to appoint his wife as his health-care agent, thus depriving Brother Cappelli of the legal means to protect himself from receiving an unwanted blood transfusion.


Àmọ́, adájọ́ kan nílé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn kò gbà kí ìyàwó arákùnrin yìí sojú fún un nínú ọ̀rọ̀ ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn, torí náà kò sí bí Arákùnrin Cappelli ṣe lè dáàbò bo ara ẹ̀ kí wọ́n má bàa fa ẹ̀jẹ̀ sí i lára.


Brother Cappelli’s case went to the Supreme Court of Cassation on February 16, 2017.


Wọ́n gbé ẹjọ́ Arákùnrin Cappelli dé Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ní February 16, 2017.


The Supreme Court ruled that the lower courts violated the Italian Constitution and the European Convention of Human Rights, both of which protect patient autonomy.


Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ sì sọ pé àwọn ilé ẹjọ́ kéékèèké yìí tàpá sí Òfin orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì àti ti European Convention of Human Rights, tó fún aláìsàn kan lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti ṣe ìpinnu fúnra ẹ̀.


Interestingly, the Court stated that refusing a particular medical treatment “takes on even stronger connotations, worthy of protection and guarantee, when [it] is part of and is connected to the expression of a religious faith.” With this ruling of the Supreme Court, Italian courts are now required to respect to a greater degree the measures our brothers take to avoid blood transfusions.


Ohun tó wúni lórí níbẹ̀ ni pé, ilé ẹjọ́ náà sọ pé “ó ṣe pàtàkì, ó sì yẹ kí wọ́n fi da aláìsàn kan lójú pé wọ́n máa dáàbò bo ẹ̀tọ́ rẹ̀ tó bá sọ pé òun ò nífẹ̀ẹ́ sírú ìtọ́jú ìṣègùn kan nítorí ohun tó gbà gbọ́.” Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ dájọ́ pé káwọn ilé ẹjọ́ tó wà lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì túbọ̀ máa bọ̀wọ̀ fún ìpinnu táwọn ará wa ṣe pé àwọn ò ní gba ẹ̀jẹ̀.


We rejoice as a united brotherhood that the Supreme Court has acted to protect the rights of our brothers throughout Italy, who continue to uphold their Bible-trained conscience regarding the use of blood.—Acts 15:29.


Kárí ayé ni inú àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti dùn sí ìdájọ́ Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ yìí. Ìdí ni pé wọ́n dáàbò bo ẹ̀tọ́ táwọn ará wa lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì ní láti má ṣe gba ẹ̀jẹ́ torí pé kò bá ìgbàgbọ́ wọn mu.—Ìṣe 15:29.


The plaque installed at the Risiera di San Sabba, Trieste.


Àmì ìrántí tí wọ́n gbé sí abúlé Risiera di San Sabba, ní ìlú Trieste.


Jehovah’s Witnesses in concentration camps wore the purple triangle on their uniforms On May 10, 2019, government officials, historians, journalists, and hundreds of other visitors attended the unveiling ceremony of a commemorative plaque in honor of the thousands of our brothers and sisters who were persecuted by Nazis and Fascists.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó wà ní àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́ nígbà yẹn máa ń ní àmì onígun mẹ́ta aláwọ̀ àlùkò lára aṣọ wọn Ní May 10, 2019, àwọn aláṣẹ ìjọba, àwọn òpìtàn, àwọn akọ̀ròyìn, àti ọ̀pọ̀ àlejò míì wá síbi ètò kan tí wọ́n ti ṣí aṣọ lójú àmì tí wọ́n ṣe ní ìrántí ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin àti lóbìnrin tí ẹgbẹ́ òṣèlú Násì àti Ìjọba Aláṣẹ Oníkùmọ̀ ṣe inúnibíni sí.


The ceremony was held at the Risiera di San Sabba in Trieste, northeastern Italy, a former rice mill that became the only Italian concentration camp with a crematorium.


Ètò ìrántí náà wáyé ní abúlé Risiera di San Sabba ní ìlú Trieste, tó wà ní àríwá ìlà-oòrùn orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì, abúlé yìí ni wọ́n ti ń fi ẹ̀rọ fẹ́ ìrẹsì tẹ́lẹ̀ kí wọ́n tó sọ ọ́ di àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́ kan ṣoṣo lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì tó ní ibi tí wọ́n ti ń dáná sun òkú.


The unveiling drew the attention of local and national media outlets, including Canale 5, one of the most watched TV channels in the country.


Àwọn ilé iṣẹ́ oníròyìn ti àdúgbò àti ti ìjọba náà wá síbi tí wọ́n ti ṣí aṣọ lójú àmì ìrántí náà, tó fi mọ́ Canale 5, tó jẹ́ ìkànnì tẹlifíṣọ̀n táwọn èèyàn ń wò jù lọ lórílẹ̀-èdè náà.


Christian Di Blasio, a spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Italy, opened the ceremony with a discourse highlighting loyalty.


Àsọyé kan tó dá lórí ìdúróṣinṣin ni Christian Di Blasio, tó jẹ́ agbẹnusọ fún àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ni orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì fi bẹ̀rẹ̀ ètò ìrántí náà.


He stated: “Jehovah’s Witnesses were the only ones under the Third Reich to be persecuted solely on the basis of their religious convictions.


Ó sọ pé: “Lára àwọn tí ìjọba Násì ṣe inúnibíni sí, àwọn ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nìkan ṣoṣo ló jẹ́ pé kìkì nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́ ni ìjọba Násì ṣe ṣe inúnibíni sí wọ́n.


They were also the only ones, as a group, to have the opportunity to avoid martyrdom.


Àwọn nìkan ni sì àwùjọ tó ní àǹfààní láti ṣe nǹkan kan tí ikú á fi yẹ̀ lórí wọn.


They merely had to renounce their Christian faith and support the regime.


Kí wọ́n wulẹ̀ sẹ́ ìgbàgbọ́ wọn ni, kí wọ́n sì sọ pé ti ìjọba làwọn á ṣe.


Yet, they had the courage to stick to Christian values—loyalty to God and love for others.”


Síbẹ̀, wọ́n ní ìgboyà tó mú kí wọ́n dúró lórí ìwà tó yẹ ká bá lọ́wọ́ Kristẹni, ìyẹn ni pé wọ́n ní jẹ́ adúróṣinsin sí Ọlọ́run, wọ́n sì tún nífẹ̀ẹ́ àwọn èèyàn.”


Brother Di Blasio then shared a video interview of Sister Emma Bauer, who recounted the persecution she and her family suffered during World War II.


Lẹ́yìn yẹn ni Arákùnrin Di Blasio fi fídíò ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò pẹ̀lú Arábìnrin Emma Bauer han àwọn tó wà níkàlẹ̀, nínú fídíò náà, Arábìnrin Emma Bauer ròyìn bi òun àti ìdílé òun ṣe fojú winá inúnibíni nígbà Ogun Àgbáyé Kejì.


She explained that true Christians will not relinquish their values even when faced with death.


Ó ṣàlàyé pé àwọn Kristẹni tòótọ́ ò ní yẹsẹ̀ lórí ohun tó tọ́, kódà tó bá máa la ikú lọ.


In closing, the mayor of Trieste, Roberto Dipiazza, also addressed the audience.


Ní ìparí ètò ìrántí náà, olórí ìlú Trieste, Roberto Dipiazza, bá àwọn tó wá síbẹ̀ sọ̀rọ̀.


He stated: “I am very pleased with this plaque.


Ó ní: “Àmì ìrántí yìí dùn mọ́ mi nínú gan-an.


We need to work so that such persecutions never happen again.” The plaque was then officially unveiled.


A gbọ́dọ̀ wá nǹkan ṣe kí irú inúnibíni bẹ́ẹ̀ má bàa ṣẹlẹ̀ mọ́ láé.” Ẹ̀yìn yẹn ni wọ́n wá ṣí aṣọ lójú àmì ìrántí náà.


Many scholars and public figures commented on the significance of the event.


Ọ̀pọ̀ ọ̀mọ̀wé àtàwọn ìlúmọ̀ọ́ká sọ̀rọ̀ lórí bí ètò ìrántí náà ti ṣe pàtàkì tó.


For instance, Giorgio Bouchard, former president of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy, said: “No church has ever paid a blood tribute proportionately as high as Jehovah’s Witnesses did.


Bí àpẹẹrẹ, Giorgio Bouchard, ààrẹ àná fún Àgbájọ Àwọn Ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì Ajíhìnrere Lórílẹ̀-Èdè Ítálì sọ pé: “Yàtọ̀ sí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, kò sí àwùjọ ẹ̀sìn náà táwọn ọmọ ìjọ rẹ̀ tíì fẹ̀mí ara wọn lélẹ̀ tó báyìí rí nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́.


This harsh experience, however, has strengthened the movement, which presents itself to the judgment of history and, we believe, to the judgment of God, as the only Christian church that was opposed en masse to the idols of the Third Reich.” (For additional comments, see the box below.)


Àmọ́, ṣe ni ìrírí tó le koko táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí ní yìí túbọ̀ mú kí wọ́n lágbára, wọ́n sì wá fìdí ẹ̀rí múlẹ̀ fáwọn èèyàn, àti fún Ọlọ́run pàápàá, pé àwọn ni ẹ̀sìn Kristẹni kan ṣoṣo tó ta ko èròǹgbà tí Ìjọba Násì gbé lárugẹ.” (Fún àlàyé síwájú sí i, wo àpótí tó wà nísàlẹ̀.)


It is projected that some 120,000 people will visit the Risiera di San Sabba historical site annually.


A nírètí pé àwọn èèyàn tó tó ẹgbẹ̀rún lọ́nà ọgọ́fà (120,000 ) lá máa ṣèbẹ̀wò síbi àmì ìrántí pàtàkì tó wà ní abúlé Risiera di San Sabba yìí lọ́dọọdún.


Each visitor will have the opportunity to view this plaque in memory of the thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses who, despite being victims of Nazi and Fascist persecution, maintained their faith and political neutrality.—Revelation 2:10.


Ẹnì kọ̀ọ̀kan tó bá wá síbẹ̀ á ní àǹfààní láti wo àmì yìí ní ìrántí ẹgbẹẹgbẹ̀rún àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó dúró lórí ìgbàgbọ́ wọn tí wọn ò sì lọ́wọ́ sí òṣèlú, bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ẹgbẹ́ òṣèlú Násì àti ìjọba aláṣẹ oníkùmọ̀ ṣe inúnibíni sí wọn.—Ìfihàn 2:10.


Sergio Albesano (Historian, Turin) I came to know about Jehovah’s Witnesses during my studies on conscientious objection in Italy, and I was quite impressed by their lifestyle.


Sergio Albesano (Òpìtàn, ìlú Turin) Ìgbà tí mò ń ṣe ìwádìí nípa àwọn tó kọ̀ láti wọṣẹ́ ológun torí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́ ni mo wá mọ̀ nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, ọ̀nà tí wọ́n gbà gbé ìgbé ayé wọn sì wú mi lórí gan-an.


Although I am a Buddhist, I respect them for the strength of their faith—a faith that allowed their many martyrs under Nazism not to fail in their religious convictions and even to sacrifice themselves so as not to renounce their religion.


Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ẹlẹ́sìn Búdà ni mí, mo bọ̀wọ̀ fún wọn torí pé ìgbàgbọ́ wọn lágbára, ìgbàgbọ́ yẹn ni ò jẹ́ kí ọ̀pọ̀ tó kú lára wọn torí inúnibíni ìjọba Násì jáwọ́ nínú ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́, tó sì mú kí wọ́n fẹ̀mí ara wọn lélẹ̀ kí wọ́n má bàa sẹ́ ìgbàgbọ́ wọn.


Luigi Berzano (Sociologist, full professor, University of Turin; editor of the Annual Review of the Sociology of Religion)


Luigi Berzano (Onímọ̀ nípa ìbágbépọ̀ ẹ̀dá, ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n, Yunifásítì Turin; olóòtú ìwé ọdọọdún náà, Annual Review of the Sociology of Religion)


It took too long for the Nazi persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses to be recognized and honored, despite the testimony of survivors and reliable historical documentation.


Ó ti pẹ́ jù káwọn èèyàn tó gbà pé òótọ́ ni Ìjọba Násì ṣe inúnibíni sí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà àti kí wọ́n tó máa fọ̀wọ̀ wọ̀ wọ́n pé wọn fara da inúnibíni náà, bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé àwọn tí ọ̀rọ̀ ṣojú wọn àtàwọn àkọsílẹ̀ ìtàn tó ṣeé gbára lé wà tó jẹ́rìí sí ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ nígbà náà.


Finally, the great testimony of faith and civil values of the more than 25,000 Witnesses persecuted in Germany has passed the wall of silence.


Lẹ́yìn-ọ̀-rẹyìn, àgbàyanu ìgbàgbọ́ àti ìwà ọmọlúwàbí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí tó lé ní ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (25,000) tí wọ́n ṣenúnibíni sí lórílẹ̀-èdè Jámánì ti kúrò lóko ìgbàgbé.


What happened to the Witnesses was, and remains, a unique testimony, totally religious, and therefore, even more rich and noble than that of all the other victims.


Ohun tó ṣẹlẹ̀ sáwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti wá di ẹ̀rí tí kò lẹ́gbẹ́ pé, wọn ò fi ìgbàgbọ́ wọn nínú Ọlọ́run báni dọ́rẹ̀ẹ́, torí náà, wọ́n yẹ lẹ́ni àpọ́nlé, wọ́n sì níyì ju gbogbo àwọn míì tí ìjọba ṣenúnibíni sí lọ.


Giorgio Bouchard (Former president of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy) While the ministers of the “big churches” (Lutheran and Catholic) marched with strict discipline alongside the German troops up to Stalingrad [Volgograd], hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses died in prisons and concentration camps as martyrs to freedom of conscience.


Giorgio Bouchard (Ààrẹ àná fún Àgbájọ Àwọn Ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì Ajíhìnrere ní Orílẹ̀-Èdè Ítálì) Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé gbágbáágbá làwọn ọmọ “ìjọ ńláńlá” (ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì Lutheran àti Kátólíìkì) rìn ní ìfẹ̀gbẹ́kẹ̀gbẹ́ pẹ̀lú àwọn ọmọ ogun Jámánì títí dé ìlú Stalingrad [Volgograd], ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ló kú sínú ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n àtàwọn àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́ torí pé wọn ò fẹ́ ṣe ohun tó lòdì sí ẹ̀rí ọkàn wọn.


No church has ever paid a blood tribute proportionately as high as Jehovah’s Witnesses did.


Yàtọ̀ sí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, kò sí àwùjọ ẹ̀sìn náà táwọn ọmọ ìjọ rẹ̀ tíì fẹ̀mí ara wọn lélẹ̀ tó báyìí rí nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́.


This harsh experience, however, has strengthened the movement, which presents itself to the judgment of history (and we believe, to the judgment of God) as the only Christian church that was opposed en masse to the idols of the Third Reich.


Àmọ́, ṣe ni ìrírí tó le koko táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí ní yìí túbọ̀ mú kí wọ́n lágbára, wọ́n sì wá fìdí ẹ̀rí múlẹ̀ fáwọn èèyàn, (àti fún Ọlọ́run pàápàá), pé àwọn ni ẹ̀sìn Kristẹni kan ṣoṣo tó ta ko èròǹgbà tí Ìjọba Násì gbé lárugẹ.”


Giuseppina Celloni (Psychologist and psychotherapist, Trieste) For a long time, the persecution against this religious group under the Nazi-Fascist regime has been disregarded.


Giuseppina Celloni (Onímọ̀ nípa ìrònú àti ìhùwàsí ẹ̀dá àti olùtọ́jú àrùn ọpọlọ, ìlú Trieste) Ó pẹ́ táwọn èèyàn ò ti ka inúnibíni tí ẹgbẹ́ òṣèlú Násì àti ìjọba aláṣẹ oníkùmọ̀ ṣe sáwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà sí.


This identification plaque, posted at a historically significant site, honors the thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses who have had courage, loyalty, and faith in the noble Christian principles for the purpose of living in peace.


Àmì ìrántí tá a gbé síbi pàtàkì nínú ìtàn yìí, ṣe àpọ́nlé ẹgbẹẹgbẹ̀rún àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tí wọ́n ti ní ìgboyà, tí wọ́n jẹ́ adúróṣinṣin tí wọ́n sì ní ìgbàgbọ́ nínú àwọn ìlànà rere táwọn Kristẹni ń tẹ̀ lé kí wọ́n lè máa gbé ìgbé ayé àlàáfíà.


The Jehovah’s Witnesses who survived managed to overcome the trauma by pursuing the purpose of living in peace and exercising strong faith in a future “new day,” in which such suffering will no longer exist and no man will have to ask himself, ‘Why?’


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó la inúnibíni náà já sapá láti borí ohun tí wọ́n fojú winá rẹ̀ bí wọ́n ṣe ń bá a nìṣó láti máa gbé ní ìrọ̀wọ́-rọsẹ̀ tí wọ́n sì ní ìgbàgbọ́ tó lágbára nínú “ọjọ́ tuntun” kan tó ń bọ́ lọ́nà, níbi tí kò ní sí ìjìyà mọ́ tí kò sì ní sí ẹni tó máa bí ara rẹ̀ pé, ‘Kí nìdí?’


Maurizio Costanzo (Journalist and television presenter, Rome) We cannot forget the thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from various European countries who were sent to concentration camps.


Maurizio Costanzo (Akọ̀ròyìn àti olóòtú ètò orí tẹlifíṣọ̀n, ìlú Róòmù) A ò jẹ́ gbàgbé ẹgbẹẹgbẹ̀rún àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà láti apá ibi ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀ lórílẹ̀-èdè Yúróòpù tí wọ́n rán lọ sí àwọn àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́.


Among these, 1,500 lost their lives.


Ẹ̀mí ẹgbẹ̀rún kan ààbọ̀ (1,500) lára wọn ló lọ sí i.


On the other hand, it is not surprising that Jehovah’s Witnesses under Nazi-Fascism were persecuted, not for reasons of race, but for showing faith, peace, and political neutrality—things that were still considered unwelcome.


Ní ọwọ́ kejì ẹ̀wẹ́, kò yani lẹ́nu pé ẹgbẹ́ òṣèlú Násì àti ìjọba aláṣẹ oníkùmọ̀ ṣe inúnibíni sí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, kì í ṣe torí ẹ̀yà tí wọ́n jẹ́, àmọ́ torí pé wọ́n ní ìgbàgbọ́, wọ́n jẹ́ ẹni àlàáfíà, wọn kì í sì í dá sí ọ̀rọ̀ òṣèlú, ìdí nìyẹn tí ìjọba fi kórìíra wọn.


It is an important page in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and it is therefore right to remember it with the highest of honors.


Abala pàtàkì lèyí jẹ́ nínú ìtàn àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, torí náà, ó yẹ ká máa rántí rẹ̀ lọ́nà tá á fi hàn pé a mọyì wọn gan-an.


Annamaria Fiorillo (Deputy public prosecutor at the Milan Juvenile Court)


Annamaria Fiorillo (Igbá kejì agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba ní Kóòtù Àwọn Ọ̀dọ́ ti ìlú Milan)


It is important to remember that Jehovah’s Witnesses posed a danger to Nazism because of their view of the world, based on respect for the sacredness of life—undermining the plan of world domination based on the principle of supremacy of the Aryan race.


Ó ṣe pàtàkì ká rántí pé Ìjọba Násì ò rí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà bí ọ̀rẹ́ torí ojú tí wọ́n fi ń wo ayé, pé ìwàláàyè jẹ́ mímọ́, èyí tó ta ko èròǹgbà ìjọba Násì pé ẹ̀yà Aryan ló yẹ kó máa ṣàkóso gbogbo ayé.


Jehovah’s Witnesses, conscientious objectors who, at the cost of their lives, refused to renounce their faith—were not just martyrs of a religion.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó kọ̀ láti wọṣẹ́ ológun torí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́, bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ó lè la ikú lọ fún wọn, síbẹ̀ tí wọ́n kọ̀ láti sẹ́ ìgbàgbọ́ wọn, ò wulẹ̀ kù ikú ẹ̀sìn lásán.


Today, as back then, they can be defined as courageous champions of nonviolence and champions of peace.


Lónìí, bó ṣe jẹ́ nígbà náà lọ́hùn-ún, a lè sọ pé wọ́n jẹ́ onígboyà, tó kọ̀ láti lọ́wọ́ sí ìwà ipá tó sì gbé àlàáfíà lárugẹ.


They represent a glorious example of human greatness and a hope for future generations.


Àpẹẹrẹ rere ni wọ́n jẹ́ láàárín àwọn èèyàn, wọ́n sì mú káwọn ìran tó ń bọ̀ lọ́jọ́ iwájú nírètí.


Anna Foa (Professor of Modern History, La Sapienza University, Rome) It was not until the 1990s that historiography began looking into the “purple triangles” and remembering their persecution.


Anna Foa (Ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n Ìtàn Òde Òní, Yunifásítì La Sapienza, ìlú Róòmù) Àárín ọdún 1990 sí ọdún 1999 ni àwọn òpìtàn ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í ṣèwádìí nípa “àmì onígun mẹ́ta aláwọ̀ àlùkò” tí wọ́n sì wá ń rántí inúnibíni tí Ìjọba ṣe sí àwọn tó lo àmì náà.


In explanation, this lack of both knowledge and memory is largely due to the fact that, in postwar East Germany, Jehovah’s Witnesses continued to be persecuted.


Ìdí pàtàkì tí wọn ò fi mọ̀ tí wọn ò sì rántí wọn ni pé, lẹ́yìn ogun, ìjọba ṣì ń bá a nìṣó láti máa ṣe inúnibíni sáwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ní Ìlà Oòrùn orílẹ̀-èdè Jámánì.


Accused of being enemies of socialism, agents of American imperialism, and spies, they were imprisoned again—4,000 of them were sentenced to prison and 1,000 were imprisoned without trial.


Wọ́n fi ẹ̀sùn kàn wọ́n pé wọ́n jẹ́ ọ̀tá ìjọba àjùmọ̀ní, aṣojú ìjọba agbókèèrè-jẹ-gàba ti ilẹ̀ Amẹ́ríkà àti amí, torí náà wọ́n tún pa dà jù wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n, ìjọba ju ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́rin (4,000) lára wọn sẹ́wọ̀n, wọ́n sì fi ẹgbẹ̀rún kan (1,000) sẹ́wọ̀n láì gbọ́ tẹnu wọn nílé ẹjọ́.


Only after 1989 and the reunification of Germany did their story reemerge from oblivion and their persecution receive recognition.


Ẹ̀yìn ìgbà tí Ìlà Oòrùn àti Ìwọ̀ Oòrùn orílẹ̀-èdè Jámánì pa dà di ọ̀kan lọ́dún 1989 ní ìtàn wọn kúrò lóko ìgbàgbé táwọn èèyàn sì bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í sọ̀rọ̀ nípa inúnibíni tí Ìjọba ṣe sí wọn.


This persecution included not only men but, as historian Adriana Lotto points out, also women who were mostly imprisoned in order to prevent them from influencing their children and pushing them to pacifism.


Àwọn ọkùnrin nìkan kọ́ ni wọ́n ṣe inúnibíni sí, àmọ́ bí òpìtàn Adriana Lotto ṣe sọ, wọ́n ṣe inúnibíni sáwọn obìnrin náà, pàápàá àwọn tí wọ́n dìídì jù sẹ́wọ̀n torí kí wọ́n má bàa kọ́ àwọn ọmọ wọn lẹ́kọ̀ọ́ tí ò ní jẹ́ kí wọ́n fẹ́ wọṣẹ́ ológun.


At the beginning, in 1933, they represented (second only to Communist women) the most numerous group in the camps, in particular, in the women’s camp of Ravensbrück.


Nígbà tí èyí bẹ̀rẹ̀, lọ́dún 1933, àwọn (yàtọ̀ sí àwọn obìnrin tó jẹ́ ẹgbẹ́ òṣèlú ìjọba orí-ò-jorí) ni àwùjọ kan ṣoṣo tó pọ̀ jù lọ láwọn àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́, pàápàá jù lọ, àgọ́ ìṣẹ́niníṣẹ̀ẹ́ àwọn obìnrin ní Ravensbrück.


There they distinguished themselves for their resistance, by refusing to perform jobs related to the army and to war (like sewing military uniforms or supplying vegetables to the SS), and faced heavy punishment and, in some cases, even the death sentence.


Wọ́n mọ̀ wọ́n bí ẹní mowó níbẹ̀ torí pé wọ́n kọ̀ láti ṣe iṣẹ́ tó bá jẹ mọ́ àwọn ọmọ ogun àti ogun (irú bíi rírán aṣọ àwọn ológun tàbí wíwá oúnjẹ fún àwọn ẹ̀ṣọ́ SS), wọ́n torí bẹ́ẹ̀ fìyà jẹ wọ́n gidigidi, tàbí nígbà míì, kí wọ́n dájọ́ ikú fún wọ́n.


Maria Fausta Maternini (Full professor of Comparative Law of Religions, University of Trieste)


Maria Fausta Maternini (Òjọ̀gbọ́n nípa Ìjọra Tàbí Àìdọ́gba Tó Wà Nínú Òfin Ẹ̀sìn, Yunifásítì ìlú Trieste)


I participated with great interest in the poignant and touching ceremony at the Risiera di San Sabba, which emphasized the value of the testimony of Jehovah’s Witnesses who, in order not to renounce their faith, preferred to face death.


Mo dara pọ̀ mọ́ wọn níbi ètò ìrántí tó bani nínú jẹ́ tó sì wọni lọ́kàn èyí tó wáyé ní abúlé Risiera di San Sabba, tó jẹ́ ká rí ìjẹ́pàtàkì bí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ṣe dúró lórí ìgbàgbọ́ wọn, pé dípò kí wọ́n sẹ́ ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́, wọ́n ṣe tán láti kú.


Today, as in years past, the ongoing mission of Jehovah’s Witnesses contributes actively to the dissemination of values that are a prerequisite for peaceful and harmonious coexistence.


Bíi tìgbà yẹn, ṣe làwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà òde òní náà ń pa kún ṣíṣe ohun tó tọ́ tó sì yẹ, kí gbogbo èèyàn lè máa gbé ní àlàáfíà àti ní ìrẹ́pọ̀.


I thank you for the invitation to attend the ceremony, and I express my appreciation for the incisive testimony that was given by Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Ẹ ṣeun tẹ́ ẹ pè mí síbi ètò ìrántí yìí, mo sì fi ìmọrírì hàn fún àlàyé tó ṣe kedere tó sì wọni lọ́kàn tí ẹ̀yin Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ṣe.


Marzio Pontone (Lawyer, Turin) I fought for 25 years in the courtrooms of the Italian military and civil tribunals for the “freedom of religious thought” for Witnesses.


Marzio Pontone (Agbẹjọ́rò, ìlú Turin) Ọdún mẹ́ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (25) ni mo fi gbẹnu sọ láwọn ilé ẹjọ́ ológun àti ti ìjọba nílùú Ítálì kí wọ́n lè fún àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí ní “òmìnira láti ṣe ohun tí ẹ̀sìn wọn fàyè gbà.”


I can affirm, without a shadow of a doubt, that they have three fundamental characteristics.


Láì ṣiyè méjì, mo lè sọ pé ànímọ́ mẹ́ta pàtàkì láwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ní.


They are: (1) absolutely consistent, (2) loyal, and (3) unwavering in following and respecting what, for them, are the dictates of Jehovah.


Wọ́n jẹ́: (1) adúróṣinṣin nínú ohun gbogbo, (2) wọn kì í yí pa dà, wọn (3) kì í sì í ṣiyè méjì tó bá di pé kí wọ́n tẹ̀ lé ohun tí Jèhófà pa láṣẹ fún wọn kí wọ́n sì bọ̀wọ̀ fún un.


Some Witnesses have even sacrificed their lives in order not to renounce their faith—the “purple triangles” are a demonstration of this.


Àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí kan tiẹ̀ ti gbà láti kú kí wọ́n má bàá sẹ́ ìgbàgbọ́ wọn — Àmì “onígun mẹ́ta aláwọ̀ àlùkò” ló jẹ́ ẹ̀rí tó ṣeé fojú rí nípa àwọn tó ṣe irú ìpinnu bẹ́ẹ̀.


I don’t think I exaggerate when I say that some Witnesses have been true “martyrs for the faith.”


Mi ò rò pé àsọdùn ni tí mo bá sọ pé tá a bá ń wá “àwọn tó kú nítorí ohun tí wọ́n gbà gbọ́” àpẹẹrẹ tòótọ́ làwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí kan jẹ́.


I can only speak well of Jehovah’s Witnesses because I believe they are worthy of respect even by those who, like me, have another religion (Catholic).


Mi ò rí ohun àbùkù kankan sọ nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà torí mo mọ̀ pé wọn yẹ lẹ́ni àpọ́nlé lọ́dọ̀ gbogbo èèyàn, títí kan lọ́dọ̀ àwa tá a jẹ́ ẹlẹ́sìn míì (Kátólíìkì).


Guido Raimondi (Former president of the European Court of Human Rights)


Guido Raimondi (Ààrẹ àná fún Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù)


I am very grateful to the organizers of this important ceremony, which recalls the persecution and torture of thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses who were victims of Nazi barbarism.


Mo gbóṣùbà fún àwọn tó wà nídìí ètò ìrántí pàtàkì yìí, ó rán wa létí bí òṣìkà ìjọba Násì ṣe ṣenúnibíni sí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó sì dá ọ̀pọ̀ lára wọn lóró.


We owe it also to their sacrifice that there was the powerful push in civil society that gave birth to the European project and also the European Court of Human Rights.


Ọpẹ́lọpẹ́ ìwà akin wọn tó gún wa ní kẹ́ṣẹ́ láwùjọ tá a fi dá ètò ìgbẹ́jọ́ ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù àti Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù sílẹ̀.


To them goes our emotional remembrance and our gratitude as European citizens.


Gbogbo ọmọ ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù ló yẹ kó máa rántí wọn kí wọ́n sì máa ṣọpẹ́ torí ohun tí wọ́n ṣe.


Bruno Segre (Lawyer, journalist, founder of the newspaper L’Incontro, Turin) As promoter of the bills for the recognition in Italy of conscientious objectors to military service.


Bruno Segre (Agbẹjọ́rò, akòròyìn, olóòtú ìwé ìròyìn L’Incontro, ìlú Turin) Ní orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì, mo jẹ́ ọ̀kan lára àwọn tó ṣiṣẹ́ lórí àbádòfin tó fàyè gba ẹni tí ẹ̀rí ọkàn rẹ̀ ò bá yọ̀ǹda fún láti ṣiṣẹ́ ológun.


I had the opportunity to defend hundreds of young Jehovah’s Witnesses before the military tribunals of the Republic.


Mo ní àǹfààní láti ṣe agbẹjọ́rò fún ọ̀pọ̀ lára àwọn ọ̀dọ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà níwájú ilé ẹjọ́ ológun lórílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì.


I can attest that the firmness of their faith, inspired by the principles of honesty, personal sacrifice, and solidarity, aroused my admiration.


Mo lè jẹ́rìí sí i pé àìṣàbòsí wọn, ẹ̀mí ìmúratán wọn àti bí wọn ṣe fìmọ̀ ṣọ̀kan ló mú kí ìgbàgbọ́ wọn fẹsẹ̀ múlẹ̀ ṣinṣin, ìyẹn sì mú kí n gba tiwọn ní gbogbo ọ̀nà.


The Imola facility, where the Translation Department is now located The Italy branch is relocating their facilities from Rome to the cities of Bologna and Imola.


Ilé tó wà nílùú Imola, níbi tí Ẹ̀ka Ìtúmọ̀ Èdè wà báyìí Ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì orílẹ̀-èdè Ítálì ti ń kó láti ìlú Róòmù lọ sí ìlú Bologna àti Imola.


Bologna is located about 370 kilometers (230 mi) north of Rome, and Imola is about 48 kilometers (30 mi) from Bologna.


Ìlú Bologna wà ní nǹkan bí ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́ta ó lè àádọ́rin (370) kìlómítà sí àríwá ìlú Róòmù, ìlú Imola sì wà ní nǹkan bíi kìlómítà méjìdínláàádọ́ta (48) sí ìlú Bologna.


Renovations have already begun on a nine-story building in Bologna that will serve as offices for the branch.


Wọ́n ti ń ṣe àtúnṣe sí ilé alájà mẹ́sàn-án kan tó wà ní ìlú Bologna èyí tí ẹ̀ka máa fi ṣe ọ́fíìsì.


As of 2018, more than 60 Bethel volunteers working with translation and related support activities have been operating in a newly renovated building in Imola.


Láti ọdún 2018, àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ Bẹ́tẹ́lì tó lé ní ọgọ́ta (60) tí wọ́n ń ṣe iṣẹ́ atúmọ̀ èdè àtàwọn iṣẹ́ míì tó tan mọ́ ọn ti ń bá iṣẹ́ nìṣó nínú ilé tí wọ́n ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ ṣe àtúnṣe sí ní ìlú Imola.


As part of the efforts to address the housing needs of the Bethelites relocating to Bologna, a seven-story apartment building with three levels of underground parking is currently being constructed about one and a half kilometers (1 mi) from the office building.


Ká lè pèsè ibùgbé fún àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ ní Bẹ́tẹ́lì tí wọ́n ń kó lọ sí ìlú Bologna, a ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í kọ́ ilé alájà-méje kan sí nǹkan bíi kìlómítà kan àtààbọ̀ (máìlì kan) sí ibi tá a kọ́ ọ́fíìsì sí. Ilé náà ní ibi ìgbọ́kọ̀sí abẹ́lẹ̀ tó jẹ́ ìpele mẹ́ta.


Additional housing will eventually be located in the same vicinity.


A ṣì tún máa wá àwọn ilé míì sí i ní agbègbè yẹn.


Artist rendering of the seven-story residence currently under construction In 1948, Jehovah’s Witnesses purchased their first branch property in Rome and moved operations there from a previous facility in Milan.


Àwòrán bí ilé gbígbé alájà-méje tí wọ́n ń kọ́ lọ́wọ́ náà ṣe máa rí Ọdún 1948 ni àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ra ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa àkọ́kọ́ ní ìlú Róòmù tá a sì kó lọ síbẹ̀ láti ibi tá a ti ń ṣiṣẹ́ tẹ́lẹ̀ ní ìlú Milan.


Since then, Italy has experienced extraordinary growth.


Látìgbà yẹn wá, àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti pọ̀ sí i lọ́nà tó pabanbarì ní Ítálì.


In the mid-1940s, there were fewer than 200 publishers in the country.


Ní nǹkan bí ọdún 1945, àwọn akéde tó wà lórílẹ̀-èdè náà ò ju igba (200) lọ.


Today, there are over 250,000 publishers, the largest number for any branch territory in Europe.


Lónìí, àwọn akéde tó wà níbẹ̀ ti lé ní ẹgbẹ̀rún lọ́nà àádọ́ta-lé-nígba (250,000).


As the number of publishers in the branch territory increased, so did the number of Bethel volunteers and branch properties.


Orílẹ̀-èdè yìí ló ní iye akéde tó pọ̀ jù nílẹ̀ Yúróòpù.


At its peak in 2006, the Italy branch office included 99 different buildings.


Bí iye àwọn akéde tó wà ní Ítálì ṣe ń pọ̀ sí i ni iye àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ ní Bẹ́tẹ́lì àti ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì náà ń pọ̀ sí i. Ní ọdún 2006, ilé mọ́kàndínlọ́gọ́rùn-ún (99) ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀ là ń lò fún ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì ní Ítálì.


Once the consolidation is complete, the branch will have a reduced number of Bethel family members and consist of only five buildings.


Tá a bá ti pa gbogbo iṣẹ́ pọ̀ sójú kan nílùú Bologna, iye àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ Bẹ́tẹ́lì máa dín kù, á wá ṣẹ́ ku ilé márùn-ún péré.


Our prayer is that Jehovah will continue to bless this project and that these new facilities will be a support for the work being done in Italy, a field that is “white for harvesting.”—John 4:35.


Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà máa bá a lọ láti fi ìbùkún rẹ̀ sórí iṣẹ́ ìkọ́lé náà kí àwọn ọ́fíìsì tuntun náà sì ṣètìlẹ́yìn fún iṣẹ́ tá à ń ṣe ní Ítálì, pápá tó ‘funfun tó sì ti tó kórè.’—Jòhánù 4:35.


Dates: August 2-4, 2019


Déètì: August 2 sí 4, 2019


Location: Jaarbeurs Hallencomplex, Utrecht, Netherlands


Ibi Tá A Ti Ṣe É: Jaarbeurs Hallencomple, ìlú Utrecht, orílẹ̀-èdè Netherlands


Program Languages: Arabic, Dutch, Dutch Sign Language, English, Papiamento, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Twi


Èdè: Lárúbáwá, Dutch, Èdè Àwọn Adití lọ́nà ti ilẹ̀ Jámánì, Gẹ̀ẹ́sì, Papiamento, Polish, Potogí, Sípáníìṣì, Twi


Peak Attendance: 42,335


Àwọn Tó Wá: Ẹgbẹ̀rún méjìlélógójì, ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́ta àti márùn-ún dín lógójì (42,335)


Total Number Baptized: 212


Àwọn Tó Ṣèrìbọmi: Ọgọ́rùn-ún méjì àti méjìlá (212)


Àwọn Tó Wá Láti Ilẹ̀ Òkèèrè: Ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́fà (6,000)


Invited Branches: Australasia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Korea, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Suriname, United States


Àwọn Ẹ̀ka Ọ́fíísì Tá A Pè: Australasia, Belgium, Brazil, Kánádà, Kòlóńbíà, Indonesia, Kòríà, Pọ́túgà, Ròmáníà, South Africa, Suriname, Orílẹ̀-èdè Amẹ́ríkà


Local Experiences: A brother employed by a cleaning company contracted by the Jaarbeurs Hallencomplex received the following phone call from his operations manager: “We now have a group here doing everything agreed to—on time—tidying the building and arranging their own cleaning to keep things spotless.


Ìrírí: Alábòójútó ilé-iṣẹ́ tí Jaarbeurs Hallencomplex gbé iṣẹ́ ìmọ́tótó ọgbà náà fún pe arákùnrin wa tó jẹ́ ọ̀kan lára àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ rẹ̀ lórí fóònù, ó ní: “Àwọn kan wà níbí tó ń ṣe gbogbo iṣẹ́ tó yẹ ká ṣe láìjáfara, wọ́n ń tún àyíká ṣe, wọ́n sì tún ṣètò bí gbogbo nǹkan ṣe máa wà ní mímọ́ tónítóní.


They will probably return the building in better shape than when we handed it over to them.


Mo gbà pé wọ́n á fẹ́ẹ̀ fi ibí sílẹ̀ lọ́nà tó dáa ju bí wọ́n ṣe gbà á lọ́wọ́ wa lọ.


Really incredible! I have never seen anything like this.


Mí ò rírú èyí rí, ó jọ mi lójú gan-an ni!


They even cleaned parts of the restaurant not in use now!


Kódà, wọ́n tún àwọn ibì kan nínú ilé oúnjẹ tá ò lò báyìí ṣe!


The restrooms constantly have two people on standby; and if anything happens somewhere, in no time, people turn up to resolve it!


Èèyàn méjì ló máa ń wà lárọ̀ọ́wọ́tó níbi ilé ìtura, bí ohunkóhun bá sì ṣẹlẹ̀, kíá, wọ́n ti ṣàtúnṣe ẹ̀.


I have never experienced this before.”


Kò ṣẹlẹ̀ rí!”


The North Macedonia branch initiated a special preaching campaign from August 1 to October 31, 2019, to share the Bible’s message with people who speak the Macedonian or Albanian languages in their branch territory.


Ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa tó wà ní North Makedóníà ṣètò àkànṣe ìwàásù ní August 1 sí October 31, 2019, kí wọ́n lè wàásù fún àwọn tó ń sọ èdè Makedóníà àti èdè Alibéníà ní ìpínlẹ̀ ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wọn.


North Macedonia has more than 1.3 million people who speak Macedonian and over half a million people who speak Albanian.


Ní North Makedóníà, àwọn tó ń sọ èdè Makedóníà ju mílíọ̀nù kan àti ẹgbẹ̀rún lọ́nà ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́ta (1,300,000) lọ, àwọn tó sì ń sọ èdè Alibéníà ju ìdajì mílíọ̀nù kan lọ.


However, of the 1,300 publishers in the country, there are about 1,000 publishers in the Macedonian-language field and only 20 publishers who assist the Albanian-language field.


Àmọ́, nínú àwọn akéde ẹgbẹ̀rún kan ó lé ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́ta (1,300) tó ń sọ èdè Makedóníà lórílẹ̀-èdè yẹn, ẹgbẹ̀rún kan péré ló wà ní ìjọ tí wọ́n ti ń sọ èdè Makedóníà, ogún (20) akéde péré ló sì wà ní ìjọ tí wọ́n ti ń sọ èdè Alibéníà.


To support the local publishers, the campaign drew 476 volunteers from seven countries—Albania, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland—to North Macedonia to participate in the preaching efforts.


Torí náà, àwọn akéde ọgọ́rùn-ún mẹ́rin àti mẹ́rìndínlọ́gọ́rin (476) ló wá ṣèrànwọ́ fáwọn akéde yìí láti àwọn orílẹ̀-èdè méje ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀.


The Bible Teach book in Macedonian that the goatherd received ten years earlier During the campaign, one of our brothers met a goatherd on the road.


Àwọn orílẹ̀-èdè náà ni Alibéníà, Austria, Belgium, Jámánì, Ítálì, Sweden àti Switzerland.


When the goatherd realized that he was speaking with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he reached into his bag and revealed a copy of the Bible Teach book.


Ìwé Bíbélì Fi Kọ́ni lédè Makedóníà tí ọkùnrin tó ń da ewúrẹ́ náà gbà lọ́dún mẹ́wàá sẹ́yìn Nígbà àkànṣe ìwàásù yẹn, arákùnrin kan pàdé ọkùnrin kan tó ń da ewúrẹ́ lójú ọ̀nà.


He explained that he had received the book when Witnesses from Italy visited him during a special preaching campaign ten years prior.


Bí ọkùnrin tó ń da ewúrẹ́ náà ṣe rí i pé àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lòun ń bá sọ̀rọ̀, kíá ló yọ ìwé Bíbélì Fi Kọ́ni jáde nínú àpò rẹ̀, ó sọ pé ìgbà táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí wá wàásù láti Ítálì ní ọdún mẹ́wàá sẹ́yìn ni wọ́n fún òun ní ìwé náà.


He went on to say that he reads the Bible Teach book every day and has even memorized some of the chapters.


Ó tiẹ̀ sọ pé ojoojúmọ́ lòun ń ka ìwé náà, kódà òun ti há àwọn àkòrí kan sórí nínú ẹ̀.


The brothers arranged for a return visit.


Báwọn ará ṣe ṣètò fún ìpadàbẹ̀wò nìyẹn.


The outpouring of support from the Macedonian and Albanian-speaking brothers and sisters reminds us of Paul’s willingness to accept his assignment to “step over into Macedonia.”—Acts 16:9.


Báwọn ará tó ń sọ èdè Makedóníà àti Alibéníà ṣe tú yáyá tù yàyà láti ti àkànṣe ìwàásù yìí lẹ́yìn rán wa létí bí Pọ́ọ̀lù náà ṣe múra tán láti “sọdá wá sí Makedóníà.”—Ìṣe 16:9.


Déètì: August 9 sí 1l, 2019


Locations: Municipal Stadium of Legia Warsaw and Torwar Hall, Warsaw, Poland


Ibi Tó Ti Wáyé: Pápá Ìṣeré Municipal Stadium of Legia nílùú Warsaw àti Gbọ̀ngàn Ìwòran Torwar Hall, nílùú Warsaw, lórílẹ̀-èdè Poland


Program Languages: English,


Èdè: Gẹ̀ẹ́sì, Polish


Polish Peak Attendance: 32,069


Àwọn Tó Wá: 32,069


Total Number Baptized: 190


Àwọn Tó Ṣèrìbọmi: 190


Number of International Delegates: 6,892


Àwọn Tó Wá Láti Ilẹ̀ Òkèèrè: 6,892


Invited Branches: Central Europe, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, France, Georgia, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, United States


Àwọn Ẹ̀ka Ọ́fíìsì Tá A Pè: Central Europe, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, Faransé, Jọ́jíà, Hungary, Japan, Kòríà, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Amẹ́ríkà


Local Experiences: Mr. Kamil Kaźmierkiewicz, general manager of Four Points by Sheraton Warsaw Mokotów (one of the hotels that accommodated delegates), wrote the following: “Cooperation with you is exemplary—I wish I would have more guests who are so kind and positive.


Ìrírí: Ọ̀gbẹ́ni KamilKaźmierkiewicz tó jẹ́ ọ̀gá àgbà òtẹ́ẹ̀lì tí wọ́n ń pè ní Four Points by Sheraton ní ìlú Warsaw Mokotów (ó jẹ́ ọ̀kan lára òtẹ́ẹ̀lì tí wọ́n fi àwọn àlejò wọ̀ sí), kọ̀wé pé: “Ó rọrùn láti bá a yín ṣiṣẹ́, ó wù mí kí n tún láwọn àlejò tó jẹ́ onínúure tí wọ́n sì lẹ́mìí tó dáa bíi tiyín.


The strong connection and unity between the participants is visible.


Mo kíye síi pé ẹ nífẹ̀ẹ́ ara yín gan an, ẹ sì wà níṣọ̀kan.


I take my hat off to the perfect logistics of this event.” Mr. Kamil Lubański, owner of KL Team, the company contracted to provide bus transportation, also related: “Right from the start of our working together, I could sense a very good atmosphere and working relationship from Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Bẹ́ ẹ ṣe ṣètò gbogbo nǹkan ní àpéjọ yìi wú mi lórí gan-an.” Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Kamil Lubański tó ni ilé iṣẹ́ KL Team tó bá wa ṣètò ọkọ̀ tó kó àwọn èèyàn sọ pé: “Látọjọ́ tí mo ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí bá àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ṣiṣẹ́ ni mo ti mọ̀ pé màá gbádùn àkókò tá a máa fi ṣiṣẹ́.


They are very involved and professional.


Wọ́n wà létòletò, wọ́n sì mọ́ nǹkan ṣe.


This very large event was well planned and prepared.


Wọ́n ti ṣètò tó nítumọ̀ fún àpéjọ ńlá yìí, wọ́n sì ti múra sílẹ̀ dáadáa.


Our company has had the privilege of supporting many prestigious and government events that were organized on a national and European level.


Ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn olókìkí èèyàn la ti bá ṣiṣẹ́ nílé iṣẹ́ wa, títí kan àwọn òṣìṣẹ́ ìjọba, a sì ti ṣètò ìkórajọ káàkiri orílẹ̀-èdè yìí àti láwọn orílẹ̀-èdè tó wà ní Yúróòpù.


However, it is rare to find a client that is so logistically and methodically prepared.


Àmọ́, mi ò tíì ráwọn èèyàn tó múra sílẹ̀ tó sì ṣe nǹkan létòletò bíi tiyín rí.


To summarize, our drivers and coordinators only have positive things to say about working with Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Kókó ibẹ̀ ni pé, gbogbo àwọn awakọ̀ wa àtàwọn òṣìṣẹ́ wa míì ló ń sọ ohun tó dáa nípa àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nígbà tí wọ́n jọ ṣiṣẹ́.


We hope that in the future we will be able to work together again.”


Lọ́jọ́ iwájú, ó wù wá ká tún jọ ṣiṣẹ́.”


"""Extreme temperatures combined with severe drought have contributed to the deadliest fire season on record in Portugal."


"""Ojú ọjọ́ tó ń gbóná kọjá sísọ àti ọ̀gbẹlẹ̀ tó lágbára ti yọrí sí iná lórílẹ̀-èdè Portugal, tọ̀tẹ̀ yìí ló sì tíì pààyàn jù lórílẹ̀-èdè náà."


A total of 64 people were killed in June and another 45 in October, with a peak of 523 fires being reported in mid-October.


Lóṣù June, èèyàn mẹ́rìnlélọ́gọ́ta [64] ló kú, èèyàn márùndínláàádọ́ta [45] ló sì kú lóṣù October, ní àárín oṣù October, ìgbà ọgọ́rùn-ún márùn-ún ó lé mẹ́tàlélógún [523] ni iná ṣẹ́ yọ.


According to the European Union’s Emergency Management Service, this year wildfires have already burned nearly 520,000 hectares (1.3 million acres)—more than six times the country’s annual average of just over 83,000 hectares (205,000 acres).


Àjọ Tó Ń Bójú Tó Ọ̀rọ̀ Pàjáwìrì lábẹ́ ìdarí Ìgbìmọ̀ Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù sọ pé, lọ́dún yìí, ó ti fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ tó mílíọ̀nù kan ààbọ̀ eékà ilẹ̀ tí iná ti jó, ó fi ìlọ́po mẹ́fà ju iye ilẹ̀ tó sábà máa ń jóná lórílẹ̀-èdè náà tẹ́lẹ̀, ìyẹn ẹgbẹ̀rún lọ́nà igba ó lé márùn-ún [205,000] eékà ilẹ̀


According to the Portugal branch office, the fires claimed the lives of one of our brothers and his four-year-old nephew.


Ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà lórílẹ̀-èdè Portugal ròyìn pé iná náà gbẹ̀mí ọ̀kan nínú àwọn ará wa àti ìbátan rẹ̀ ọlọ́dún mẹ́rin.


The fires damaged or destroyed some of our brothers’ homes, as well as farmland and equipment, and killed some of their livestock.


Iná ọ̀hún tún ba ilé àwọn ará wa kan jẹ́, ó tiẹ̀ ba àwọn kan jẹ́ kọjá àtúnṣe, títí kan ilẹ̀ oko wọn àtàwọn irinṣẹ́ wọn, kódà, ó pa lára ẹran ọ̀sìn wọn.


Local brothers and sisters have been busy helping one another to clean up the fire damage, removing burned trees and other debris.


Àwọn ará lọ́kùnrin lóbìnrin ti ń ṣiṣẹ́ kára láti ran ara wọn lọ́wọ́ kí wọ́n lè palẹ̀ àwọn ohun tí iná jó mọ́, kí wọ́n sì gbé àwọn igi tó ti jóná àtàwọn ìdọ̀tí míì kúrò.


A local Disaster Relief Committee was mobilized to provide practical assistance.


A ṣètò Ìgbìmọ̀ Tó Ń Ṣètò Ìrànwọ́ Nígbà Àjálù sí àgbègbè náà kí wọ́n lè ṣèrànwọ́ fún àwọn tí àjálù ṣẹlẹ̀ sí.


Additionally, two members of the Portugal Branch Committee joined local circuit overseers and congregation elders as they visited our brothers and sisters to encourage them.


Bákan náà, méjì lára Ìgbìmọ̀ Ẹ̀ka lórílẹ̀-èdè Portugal dara pọ̀ mọ́ àwọn alábòójútó àyíká àtàwọn alàgbà ìjọ láti máa bẹ àwọn ará wa lọ́kùnrin lóbìnrin wò kí wọ́n lè fún wọn níṣìírí.


We pray that Jehovah continues to surround our brothers in Portugal with the loving support and comfort they need to recover from the extensive fire damage.—Psalm 71:21.


Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà túbọ̀ jẹ́ ká máa fìfẹ́ ti àwọn ará wa ní Portugal lẹ́yìn, kó sì máa tù wọ́n nínú kí wọ́n lè bọ́ nínú ìṣòro tí iná ọ̀gbálẹ̀-gbáràwé yìí dá sílẹ̀.—Sáàmù 71:21.


"Portugal: João Pedro Candeias, +351-214-604-339"""


"""Dates: June 28-30, 2019"


"""Déètì: June 28 sí 30, 2019"


Location: Sport Lisboa e Benfica Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal


Ibi Tá A Ti Ṣe É: Pápá ìṣeré Sport Lisboa e Benfica Stadium ní ìlú Lisbon, Pọ́túgà


Program Languages: English, Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese Sign Language, Spanish


Èdè: Gẹ̀ẹ́sì, Èdè Potogí (Pọ́túgà), Èdè Adití ti Potogí, Sípáníìṣì


Peak Attendance: 63,390


Àwọn Tó Wá: 63,390


Total Number Baptized: 451


Àwọn Tó Ṣèrìbọmi: 451


Invited Branches: Angola, Australasia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Senegal, Spain, United States, Venezuela


Áwọn Ẹ̀ka Ọ́fíísì Tó Wá: Àǹgólà, Ọsirélíà, Brazil, Kánádà, Central America, Gánà, Íńdíà, Mòsáńbíìkì, Sẹ̀nẹ̀gà, Sípéènì, Amẹ́ríkà, Fẹnẹsúélà


Local Experience: Mr. Santos was one of the tour bus drivers for the delegates. When the bus captain invited him to the convention, Mr. Santos stated: “I want to go.


Ìrírí: Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Santos wà lára àwọn awakọ̀ tó ń gbé àwọn àlejò tó wá sí àpéjọ. Nígbà tí arákùnrin tó ń ṣètò mọ́tò pè é wá sí àpéjọ náà, Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Santos sọ pé: “Mà á wá.


Ever since I’ve started working with you, I feel such a peace that I can’t describe.


Látìgbà tí mo ti ń bá yín ṣiṣẹ́, mo ní ìfọ̀kànbalẹ̀ tó kojá àfẹnusọ.


I don’t know where this peace comes from, but you give me peace.


Mi ò mọ bí ìfọ̀kànbalẹ̀ yìí ṣe ń wá, àmọ́ ó dá mi lójú ni pé ẹ̀ ń jẹ́ kí n ní ìfọ̀kànbalẹ̀.


I’ll be at the stadium all day, so I want to attend.”


Pápá ìṣeré ni màá wà jálẹ̀ ọjọ́ yẹn, torí náà màá wá.”


After attending, Mr. Santos said that he really appreciated the program.


Lẹ́yìn tí Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Santos wá sí àpéjọ náà, ó sọ pé òun gbádùn ẹ̀ gan-an.


He is from a village outside of Lisbon.


Abúlé kan níta ìlú Lisbon ló ti wá.


While at the convention, he met a brother who lives in a nearby village.


Nígbà tó wá sí àpéjọ, ó pàdé arákùnrin kan tó ń gbé ní tòsí abúlé ẹ̀.


"Mr. Santos agreed to meet with the brother when they return home."""


"Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Santos gbà pé kí arákùnrin yìí máa wá máa kọ́ òun lẹ́kọ̀ọ́ tí wọ́n bá ti pa dà sílé."""


"""On Thursday, September 19, 2019, six brothers from the Russian city of Saratov were convicted and sentenced to prison simply for being Jehovah’s Witnesses."


"""Ní Thursday, September 19, 2019, ilé ẹjọ́ dá àwọn arákùnrin mẹ́fà láti ìlú Saratov, ní Rọ́ṣíà lẹ́bi wọ́n sì jù sẹ́wọ̀n, kìkì nítorí pé wọ́n jẹ́ Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà."


Judge Dmitry Larin of the Leninsky District Court of Saratov sentenced Brother Konstantin Bazhenov and Brother Aleksey Budenchuk to three years and six months in prison; Brother Feliks Makhammadiyev to three years; Brother Roman Gridasov, Brother Gennadiy German, and Brother Aleksey Miretskiy to two years.


Adájọ́ Dmitry Larin ti ilé ẹjọ́ Leninsky District Court of Saratov dájọ́ ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́ta àtààbọ̀ fún Arákùnrin Konstantin Bazhenov àti Arákùnrin Aleksey Budenchuk; ó dá ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́ta fún Arákùnrin Feliks Makhammadiyev; ó sì dá ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún méjì fún Arákùnrin Roman Gridasov, Arákùnrin  Gennadiy German, àti Arákùnrin Aleksey Miretskiy.


Additionally, the ruling states that after serving their time in prison, all of the brothers will be banned from holding leadership positions in public organizations for a period of five years.


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, ilé ẹjọ́ sọ pé lẹ́yìn tí gbogbo wọn bá ṣẹ̀wọ̀n tán, wọn ò ní lé mú ipò iwájú lẹ́nu iṣẹ́ ìjọba èyíkéyìí fún odindi ọdún márùn-ún.


The defense intends to appeal the verdict.


Àwọn arákùnrin náà máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ìdájọ́ yìí.


Criminal charges were first initiated against the six brothers after Russian authorities raided seven homes of Witnesses in Saratov on June 12, 2018.


Ìgbà táwọn aláṣẹ ya wọ ilé méje táwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí ń gbé nílùú Saratov ní June 12, 2018 ni ìgbà àkọ́kọ́ tí wọ́n fi ẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kan àwọn arákùnrin mẹ́fà yìí.


All of the brothers have families, but Brother Budenchuk has two children who are still in school.


Gbogbo àwọn arákùnrin wọ̀nyí ló ní ìdílé, àmọ́ Arákùnrin Budenchuk ní tiẹ̀ ní ọmọ méjì tí wọ́n ṣì wà ní ilé ìwé.


Brother Budenchuk, along with Brother Bazhenov and Brother Makhammadiyev, spent almost a year in pretrial detention after their arrest.


Arákùnrin Budenchuk, Arákùnrin Bazhenov àti Arákùnrin Makhammadiyev ti lo ohun tó fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ tó ọdún kan látìmọ́lé lẹ́yìn tí wọ́n mú wọn kó tó wá di pé wọ́n gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn.


In their final words to the court, the six brothers quoted several inspiring verses from the Bible and said that they did not harbor animosity toward the prosecution.


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ tí wọ́n sọ gbẹ̀yìn nílé ẹjọ́, àwọn arákùnrin mẹ́fà wọ̀nyí tọ́ka sí ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn ẹsẹ Bíbélì amóríyá tó sún wọn láti jẹ́ adúróṣinṣin, wọ́n sì fi kún un pé àwọn ò ní ẹ̀tanú èyíkéyìí sí ẹnikẹ́ni lára àwọn tó fẹ̀sùn kan àwọn.


Russia has now convicted and sentenced seven men to prison. Over 250 brothers and sisters in Russia are facing criminal charges, with 41 in detention (pretrial or prison) and 23 under house arrest.


Ní báyìí, ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà, ti dá àwọn arákùnrin wa méje lẹ́bi tí wọ́n sì ti jù wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n. Ó ju igba ó lé àádọ́ta (250) àwọn arákùnrin àti àwọn arábìnrin wa ní Rọ́ṣíà tí wọ́n ti fẹ̀sùn ìwà ọ̀daràn kàn. Àwọn mọ́kànlélógójì (41) wà ní àtìmọ́lé (ìyẹn àwọn tí wọ́n tì mọ́lé láì tíì gbọ́ ẹjọ́ wọn tàbí àwọn tí wọ́n ti dá lẹ́bi tí wọ́n sì ti jù sẹ́wọ̀n), wọ́n ò sì gbá àwọn mẹ́tàlélógún (23) láyè láti jáde kúrò ní ilé wọn.


"We pray for all of our faithful and courageous brothers and sisters in Russia that they ‘may be strengthened with all power according to [Jehovah’s] glorious might so that [they] may endure fully with patience and joy.’—Colossians 1:11."""


"A gbàdúrà fún gbogbo àwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa olóòótọ́ àti onígboyà ní Rọ́ṣíà pé ‘kí agbára [Jèhófà] ológo fún [wọn] ní gbogbo agbára tí [wọn] nílò, kí [wọn] lè fara dà á ní kíkún pẹ̀lú sùúrù àti ìdùnnú.’—Kólósè 1:11."""


"""As was announced on February 6, 2019, the Zheleznodorozhniy District Court of Oryol sentenced Dennis Christensen to six years in prison for engaging in peaceful worship."


"""Bá a ṣe sọ nínú ìròyìn tó jáde ní February 6, 2019, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Agbègbè Zheleznodorozhniy nílùú Oryol ti rán Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen lọ sí ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà torí pé ó ń jọ́sìn pẹ̀lú àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà."


The verdict is in the process of being appealed to a higher court.


Arákùnrin náà ti pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn sí ilé ẹjọ́ gíga.


The news of Christensen’s six-year sentence immediately provoked an international response.


Ọ̀pọ̀ èèyàn kárí ayé ló kọminú sí ẹjọ́ tí wọ́n dá fún arákùnrin wa yìí. Bí àpẹẹrẹ, Ìgbìmọ̀ Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù.


Bodies within the Council of Europe, the European Union, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other organizations have decried Russia’s unjust and unwarranted prosecution of Dennis Christensen.


Àwùjọ Àwọn Orílẹ̀-Èdè Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù, Àjọ Orílẹ̀-èdè Amẹ́ríkà Tó Ń Rí sí Òmìnira Ẹ̀sìn Kárí Ayé, Ọ́fíìsì Ọ̀gá Àgbà Àjọ Ìparapọ̀ Orílẹ̀-Èdè Tó Ń Rí sí Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn àti onírúurú àwọn àjọ míì ló ti kéde pé ohun tí ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà ṣe fún Christensen kò bẹ́tọ̀ọ́ mu rárá àti pé wọ́n kàn ń fìyà jẹ aláìṣẹ̀ ni.


The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, issued a statement that said, in part: “The harsh sentence imposed on Christensen creates a dangerous precedent, and effectively criminalizes the right to freedom of religion or belief for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.”


Ọ̀gá Àgbà Àjọ Ìparapọ̀ Orílẹ̀-Èdè Tó Ń Rí sí Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ìyẹn Michelle Bachelet sọ pé: “Ẹjọ́ tí wọ́n dá fún Christensen lè dá wàhálà sílẹ̀ torí pé láti ìsinsìnyí lọ, ilé ẹjọ́ lè fẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn kan àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ìjọba sọ pé gbogbo èèyàn lómìnira láti ṣe ẹ̀sìn tó wù wọ́n.”


She urged the Russian government “to revise the Federal Law on Combating Extremist Activity with a view to clarifying the vague and open-ended definition of ‘extremist activity,’ and ensuring that the definition requires an element of violence or hatred.”


Ó wá gba ìjọba Rọ́ṣíà níyànjú pé kí wọ́n “ṣàyẹ̀wò òfin tó dá lórí Bí Wọ́n Ṣe Lè Gbéjà Ko Àwọn Agbawèrèmẹ́sìn kí wọ́n lè ṣàtúnṣe sí ìtumọ̀ tí wọ́n fún ọ̀rọ̀ náà ‘agbawèrèmẹ́sìn,’ kí wọ́n sì rí i dájú pé àwọn alákatakítí tó ń hùwà jàgídíjàgan ni wọ́n kà sí agbawèrèmẹ́sìn.”


Ms. Bachelet concluded by calling on the authorities “to drop charges against and to release all those detained for exercising their rights to freedom of religion or belief, the freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”


Bachelet wá sọ ní ìparí ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ pé kí àwọn aláṣẹ “wọ́gi lé ẹ̀sùn tí wọ́n fi kan àwọn tó ń lo òmìnira tí wọ́n ní láti ṣe ẹ̀sìn tó wù wọ́n, àwọn tó lómìnira láti gba ohun tó wù wọ́n gbọ́ àti láti pé jọ ní àlàáfíà, kí wọ́n sì dá àwọn tí wọ́n fi sẹ́wọ̀n sílẹ̀ lómìnira.”


Two days after the sentencing of Brother Christensen, four well-known Russian human rights experts organized a press conference in Moscow.


Ọjọ́ méjì lẹ́yìn tí wọ́n dájọ́ Arákùnrin Christensen, àwọn gbajúgbajà mẹ́rin tí wọ́n jẹ́ ajàfẹ́tọ̀ọ́-ọmọnìyàn ní Rọ́ṣíà ṣètò ìpàdé kan pẹ̀lú àwọn oníròyìn nílùú Moscow.


The venue was filled to capacity, and over 6,000 people followed the hour-long program that was streamed online.


Èrò kún fọ́fọ́ níbi tí wọ́n ti ṣèpàdé náà, àwọn tó sì lé ní ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ́fà ló ń wo ètò náà bí wọ́n ṣe ń ṣe é látorí íńtánẹ́ẹ̀tì.


All on the panel defended Jehovah’s Witnesses as a peaceful people who pose no threat to society.


Gbogbo àwọn tó sọ̀rọ̀ níbi ìpàdé náà ló gbèjà àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, wọ́n sọ pé èèyàn àlàáfíà ni wọ́n, wọn kì í sì í dá wàhálà sílẹ̀ nílùú.


Press conference held in Moscow on February 8, 2019.


Ìpàdé àwọn oníròyìn nílùú Moscow ní February 8, 2019.


Also participating in the press conference were Brother Christensen’s wife, Irina; his lawyer, Mr. Anton Bogdanov; and a representative from the European Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Yaroslav Sivulskiy.


Lára àwọn tó wà níbi ìpàdé náà ni ìyàwó Arákùnrin Christensen, ìyẹn Irina; agbẹjọ́rò rẹ̀, Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Anton Bogdanov; àti aṣojú Àjọ Àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà nílẹ̀ Yúróòpù, ìyẹn Yaroslav Sivulskiy.


They made statements regarding the unjust verdict and responded to questions from the press.


Gbogbo wọn ló sọ̀rọ̀ nípa ẹjọ́ àìtọ́ tí wọ́n dá fún Arákùnrin Christensen, wọ́n sì dáhùn ìbéèrè àwọn oníròyìn.


Despite being in prison for almost two years, Brother Christensen continues to maintain his joy and his resolve to trust in Jehovah.


Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé Arákùnrin Christensen ti fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ lo ọdún méjì lẹ́wọ̀n, ó gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé Jèhófà, ó sì ń láyọ̀.


Just days before the final verdict, while delivering his final statement to the court, Brother Christensen noted: “The truth sooner or later becomes obvious, and it will be the case in this matter.”


Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ àsọkẹ́yìn tó sọ nílé ẹjọ́ ní ọjọ́ díẹ̀ ṣáájú ọjọ́ tí wọ́n dájọ́ rẹ̀, Arákùnrin Christensen sọ pé: “Bópẹ́ bóyá, ohun tó jẹ́ òótọ́ máa hàn kedere, bó sì ṣe máa rí nínú ẹjọ́ yìí náà nìyẹn.”


After reading Revelation 21:3-5, he concluded with full conviction: “These words . . . describe the time when God will take care of justice and true freedom for all people.


Lẹ́yìn tó ka Ìfihàn 21:3-5, ó fi ìdánilójú sọ pé: “Àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ yìí . . . sọ nípa ìgbà tí Ọlọ́run máa ṣèdájọ́ òdodo, tá a sì fún gbogbo èèyàn ní òmìnira tòótọ́.


Freedom and justice are closely related to each other.


Ìdájọ́ òdodo ló ń mú kéèyàn ní òmìnira tòótọ́.


God will make sure that all of this will be fulfilled.”


Ọlọ́run á sì rí i dájú pé gbogbo èèyàn rí ìdájọ́ òdodo gbà.”


Brother Christensen must await the appeal ruling while in Detention Facility No. 1 in the Oryol Region—where he has been imprisoned for the past 20 months.


Títí dìgbà tí wọ́n máa bẹ̀rẹ̀ ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn, Arákùnrin Christensen ṣì máa wà ní àtìmọ́lé nínú ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n kan ní ìpínlẹ̀ Oryol, níbi tó ti wà láti nǹkan bí ọdún kan àti oṣù mẹ́jọ.


We will continue to pray that Jehovah give his unfailing support to Dennis Christensen, his wife, and all of our fellow worshippers throughout Russia.—1 Peter 3:12.


Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà wà pẹ̀lú Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen àti ìyàwó rẹ̀. Kó sì tún dúró ti gbogbo àwọn ará wa lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà.—1 Pétérù 3:12.


Sorry, the media player failed to load.


Máà bínú, ètò tó o fi ń wo fídíò kò ṣiṣẹ́.


Download This Video


Wa Fídíò Yìí Jáde


"The video Russian Trial Called ‘A Litmus Test For Religious Freedom’ was produced by the international media outlet RFE/RL just days before the verdict was announced."""


"Nígbà tó ku ọjọ́ díẹ̀ tí wọ́n máa dájọ́ arákùnrin náà, ilé iṣẹ́ agbéròyìnjáde kan, ìyẹn RFE/RL ṣe fídíò kan tí wọ́n pè ní Russian Trial Called ‘A Litmus Test For Religious Freedom’ (ìyẹn, Ìgbẹ́jọ́ Kan ní Rọ́ṣíà Tó Máa Jẹ́ ‘Ìlànà Fáwọn Ẹjọ́ Míì Nípa Òmìnira Ẹ̀sìn’)."""


"""Since April 20, 2017, when the Russian Supreme Court effectively banned the worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the country, our brothers and sisters have faced relentless persecution and imprisonment."


"""Látìgbà tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ní Rọ́ṣíà ti fòfin de àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ní April 20, 2017, ni wọ́n ti ń ṣenúnibíni sáwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa, tí wọ́n sì ń fi wọ́n sẹ́wọ̀n."


Authorities have also progressively seized 131 of the properties owned by Jehovah’s Witnesses, with an additional 60 properties subject to confiscation.


Àtìgbà náà làwọn aláṣẹ ti gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé dúkìá àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tí iye rẹ̀ tó mọ́kànléláàádóje (131).


The total value of the properties is estimated to be over $57 million.


Wọ́n sì tún ń sapá láti gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé ọgọ́ta (60) dúkìá míì. Àròpọ̀ gbogbo dúkìá náà ju mílíọ̀nù mẹ́tàdínlọ́gọ́ta (57) owó dọ́là lọ.


One of the seized properties was the former Russia branch complex in Solnechnoye—a property that was owned by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.


Ọ̀kan lára ohun ìní tí wọ́n gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé ni ilé Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania tó wà ní Solnechnoye, ìyẹn ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa ní Rọ́ṣíà tẹ́lẹ̀.


(See picture above on left.)


(wo àwòrán tó wà lókè lápá òsì.)


This property alone is valued at about $30 million. An additional 43 of the properties that were seized belong to foreign legal entities existing in Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.


Tá a bá ṣírò iye tí ilé yìí nìkan jẹ́, ó tó ọgbọ̀n (30) mílíọ̀nù owó dọ́là. Dúkìá mẹ́tàlélógójì (43) míì tí wọ́n gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé jẹ́ ti àjọ ilẹ̀ òkèèrè tá a gbé kalẹ̀ lábẹ́ òfin tó wà ní Austria, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Nọ́wè, Pọ́túgà, Sípéènì, Sweden, àti Amẹ́ríkà.


The seizures are illegal, since the Supreme Court decision banning Jehovah’s Witnesses did not give the government a legal basis for taking foreign-owned properties.


Òótọ́ ni pé Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga ti fòfin dé àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, àmọ́ ìyẹn ò fún ìjọba láṣẹ láti gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé àwọn ohun ìní wa tó jẹ́ ti ilẹ̀ òkèèrè, torí náà bí wọ́n ṣe gba àwọn dúkìá náà kò bófin mu.


Jehovah’s Witnesses have filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning the illegal seizure of the former Russia branch property.


Àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ti kọ̀wé sí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù (ECHR) lórí bí ìjọba ṣe gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì tá à ń lò ní Rọ́ṣíà tẹ́lẹ̀.


Regardless of how the ECHR rules, our trust and confidence are in Jehovah.


Ìpinnu yòówù kí ECHR ṣe, Jèhófà la fọkàn tán, òun la sì gbára lé.


"We pray that our brothers and sisters in Russia continue to be courageous as they refuse to let raids, arrests, or confiscation of meeting places stop them from worshipping Jehovah “with spirit and truth.”—John 4:23."""


"Àdúrà wa ni pé kí Jèhófà fún àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́ṣíà lókun kí wọ́n lè máa fìgboyà sin Jèhófà “ní ẹ̀mí àti òtítọ́” láìka bí ìjọba ṣe ń dà wọ́n láàmù, tí wọ́n ń mú wọ́n, tí wọ́n sì ń gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé àwọn Gbọ̀ngàn Ìjọba wa.—Jòhánù 4:23."""


"""On November 5, 2019, the Oktyabrsky District Court of Tomsk sentenced Brother Sergey Klimov to six years in prison."


"""Ní November 5, 2019, ilé ẹjọ́ àgbègbè Oktyabrsky nílùú Tomsk ju Arákùnrin Sergy Klimov sẹ́wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà."


Dennis Christensen is the only other brother in Russia to have received a sentence of this length.


Dennis Christensen ni arákùnrin tí wọ́n kọ́kọ́ dá ẹ̀wọ̀n ọlọ́jọ́ gbọọrọ bẹ́ẹ̀ fún.


However, in Brother Klimov’s case, the court imposed several additional restrictions, making his the harshest sentence imposed on one of our brothers since the 2017 Supreme Court ban.


Àmọ́, ọ̀rọ̀ arákùnrin Klimov tún wá burú sí i torí pé ọ̀pọ̀ nǹkan ni ilé ẹjọ́ ká a lọ́wọ́ kò pé kò ní lè ṣe, èyí ló mú kí ìdájọ́ tiẹ̀ jẹ́ èyí tó le jù lọ tó tíì wáyé látìgbà tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ti fòfin de iṣẹ́ wa lọ́dún 2017.


Brother Klimov was arrested on June 3, 2018, after law enforcement, including special forces, invaded two homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Wọ́n mú arákùnrin Klimov ní June 3, 2018, nígbà táwọn agbófinró àtàwọn ẹ̀ṣọ́ aláàbò ya wọ ilé àwọn Elẹ́rìí Jèhófà méjì.


Some 30 brothers and sisters, including an 83-year-old sister, were taken away for questioning.


Nǹkan bí ọgbọ̀n (30) àwọn ará wa ni wọ́n mú kí wọ́n lè fọ̀rọ̀ wá wọn lẹ́nu wò. Kódà wọ́n mú arábìnrin kan tó jẹ́ ẹni ọdún mẹ́tàlélọ́gọ́rin (83).


All but Brother Klimov were released. Criminal charges were brought against him, and a court ordered that he be placed in pretrial detention for two months.


Wọ́n dá àwọn tó kù sílẹ̀, àfi arákùnrin Klimov. Wọ́n fẹ̀sùn ọ̀daràn kàn án, ilé ẹjọ́ sì pàṣẹ pé kó ṣì wà látìmọ́lé fún oṣú méjì kí wọ́n tó dá ẹjọ́ rẹ̀.


His term was extended seven times, meaning that even before beginning his six-year prison sentence, he has been incarcerated—separated from his wife and family—for a year and five months.


Ẹ̀ẹ̀méje ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀ ni wọ́n sún ẹjọ́ rẹ̀ síwájú, tó túmọ̀ sí pé kó tó bẹ̀rẹ̀ ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà tí wọ́n dá fún un, ó ti lo ọdún kan àti oṣù márùn-ún ní àtìmọ́lé láìfojú kan ìyàwó àti ìdílé rẹ̀.


Lawyers for Brother Klimov will appeal his conviction.


Àwọn agbẹjọ́rò tó ń ṣojú fún arákùnrin Klimov máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ẹjọ́ náà.


Additionally, on August 20, 2018, the complaint Klimov v. Russia was filed with the European Court of Human Rights regarding his pretrial detention.


Yàtọ̀ síyẹn, ní August 20, 2018, wọ́n gbé ẹjọ́ nípa Klimov àti ilẹ̀ Rọ́ṣíà lọ síwájú Ilé Ẹjọ́ Ẹ̀tọ́ Ọmọnìyàn ti Ilẹ̀ Yúróòpù lórí bí wọ́n ṣe ń sún àsìkò tí wọ́n fẹ́ fi gbọ́ ẹjọ́ rẹ̀ síwájú.


Throughout 2019, we have seen an increase in raids, arrests, and detentions in Russia.


Jálẹ̀ ọdún 2019, iye ilé àwọn ará wa táwọn aláṣẹ orílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà lọ fọ́ túbọ̀ pọ̀ sí i, tó fi mọ́ iye àwọn tí wọ́n mú àtàwọn tí wọ́n ń fi sí àtìmọ́lé. Síbẹ̀, ìgbàgbọ́ àwọn ará wa ò mì rárá.


"Yet, our brothers remain undeterred. We are encouraged by the evidence that Jehovah is blessing our brothers’ full confidence in him.—Psalm 56:1-5, 9."""


"A ń rí ẹ̀rí tó fi hàn pé Jèhófà ń bù kún àwọn ará wa bí wọ́n ṣe gbẹ́kẹ̀ lé e, ìyẹn sì túbọ̀ ń fún wa níṣìírí.—Sáàmù 56:1-5, 9."""


"""On Thursday, May 16, 2019, the appeal hearing for Dennis Christensen resumed as scheduled."


"""Ní Thursday, May 16, 2019, ìgbẹ́jọ́ Dennis Christensen tẹ̀ síwájú gẹ́gẹ́ bí ilé ẹjọ ṣe sọ tẹ́lẹ̀."


The prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered their closing arguments, and Dennis was able to speak in his defense for nearly an hour.


Àwọn agbẹjọ́rò ìjọba àtàwọn tó ń gbèjà Dennis fẹnu ọ̀rọ̀ wọn jóná lọ́kọ̀ọ̀kan, wọ́n sì gba Dennis láyè pé kóun náà fi nǹkan bíi wákàtí kan gbèjà ara rẹ̀.


Foreign diplomats and journalists were again present—an encouraging indication that, even though it has been two years since Dennis’ arrest made international news, the world remains keenly interested in his case.


Àwọn aṣojú láti ilẹ̀ òkèèrè àtàwọn akọ̀ròyìn lóríṣiríṣi wà níbẹ̀, èyí fi hàn pé bó tiẹ̀ ti pọ́dún méjì báyìí tórọ̀ Dennis ti jáde nínú ìròyìn kárí ayé pé wọ́n tì í mọ́lé, àwọn èèyàn káàkiri ayé ṣì fẹ́ mọbi tọ́rọ̀ ẹjọ́ ẹ̀ máa já sí.


Originally, the hearing was scheduled to last through Friday, May 17. However, the judges announced they would adjourn until Thursday, May 23 at 10 a.m.


Ètò tí wọ́n kọ́kọ́ ṣe ni pé kí wọ́n parí ìgbẹ́jọ́ náà ní Friday, May 17. Àmọ́, àwọn adájọ́ sún ẹjọ́ náà sí aago mẹ́wàá àárọ̀ Thursday, May 23.


Dennis will then be granted his last opportunity to appeal to the court before the judges break to deliberate.


Wọ́n á fún Dennis láyè láti gbèjà ara rẹ̀ níwájú àwọn adájọ́, lẹ́yìn ìyẹn, àwọn adájọ́ náà á foríkorí kí wọ́n lè ṣèpinnu.


It is difficult to project whether a decision will be announced by the end of the day on May 23, or if the court will schedule a future date to do so.


A ò tíì lè sọ bóyá May 23 yẹn náà ni ilé ẹjọ́ máa sọ ìpinnu rẹ̀ lórí ọ̀rọ̀ yìí àbí wọ́n máa mú ọjọ́ míì tí wọ́n á sọ ìpinnu tí ilé ẹjọ́ bá ṣe.


We take courage when we see our brothers, such as Dennis Christensen and Sergey Skrynnikov, maintain a positive disposition and express their sincere desire to remain faithful.


Bá a ṣe ń rí àwọn ará bíi Dennis Christensen àti Sergey Skrynnikov, tí wọn ò bọkàn jẹ́, tí wọ́n sì ń fi hàn pé àwọn ò ní yẹhùn, àpẹẹrẹ wọn ń fún wa nígboyà.


"We feel the same way about our fellow Witnesses in Russia as the apostle Paul felt about the Thessalonians when he was inspired to write: “We ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the hardships that you are suffering.”—2 Thessalonians 1:4."""


"Ńṣe lohun tá à ń rò nípa àwọn ará wa ní Rọ́síà ṣọ̀kan pẹ̀lú ohun tí àpọ́síltélì Pọ́ọ̀lù sọ nipa àwọn ará Tẹsalóníkà, ó ní: “À ń fi yín yangàn láàárín ìjọ Ọlọ́run nítorí ìfaradà àti ìgbàgbọ́ yín nínú gbogbo inúnibíni àti àwọn ìṣòro tí ẹ̀ ń dojú kọ.”—2 Tẹsalóníkà 1:4."""


"""On March 1, 2019, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria overturned a lower court’s conviction of Brother Arkadya Akopyan."


"""Ní March 1, 2019, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ti Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria wọ́gi lé ìdájọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ kan fi dẹ́bi fún Arákùnrin Arkadya Akopyan."


He had been on trial for over a year, wrongfully accused of distributing “extremist” literature and ‘inciting religious hatred.’


Ó ti lé lọ́dún kan tí wọ́n ti ń gbọ́ ẹjọ́ rẹ̀, wọ́n fẹ̀sùn èké kàn án pé ó ń pín ìwé “àwọn agbawèrèmẹ́sìn,” ó sì ń ‘rúná sí ìkórìíra ẹ̀sìn.’


Previously, a lower court sentenced 70-year-old Brother Akopyan to perform community service. This recent Supreme Court ruling dismissed the lower court’s sentence.


Ilé ẹjọ́ kan ti kọ́kọ́ sọ pé kí Arákùnrin Akopyan, ẹni àádọ́rin (70) ọdún lọ ṣe iṣẹ́ àṣesìnlú. Àmọ́ ìdájọ́ tí Ilé Ẹjọ́ Gíga Jù Lọ ṣe yìí wọ́gi lé ìdájọ́ ti tẹ́lẹ̀.


"We thank Jehovah for this victory as we rejoice with Brother Akopyan. We continue to pray that our brothers will faithfully endure.—2 Thessalonians 1:4."""


"A dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ Jèhófà tó mú ká borí nínú ẹjọ́ yìí, a sì bá Arákùnrin Akopyan yọ̀. Àdúrà wa ni pé kí àwọn ará wa máa fi ìṣòtítọ́ fara dà á nìṣó.—2 Tẹsalóníkà 1:4."""


On December 13, 2019, Brother Vladimir Alushkin was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison.


Ní December 13, 2019, ilé ẹjọ́ dá ẹjọ́ Arákùnrin Vladimir Alushkin, wọ́n sì rán an lọ sí ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà.


He was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody.


Ojú ẹsẹ̀ níbẹ̀ ni wọ́n ti fí ṣẹkẹ́ṣẹkẹ̀ sí i lọ́wọ́ tí wọ́n sì mú un lọ.


Brother Alushkin will appeal the conviction.


Arákùnrin Alushkin máa pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn lórí ìdájọ́ yìí.


"""As of today, Brother Dennis Christensen has endured three years of unjust imprisonment in Russia."


"""Bá a se ń sọ̀rọ̀ yìí, ó ti tó ọdún mẹ́ta tí wọ́n ti fi Arákùnrin Dennis Christensen sẹ́wọ̀n lọ́nà àìtọ́ lórílẹ̀-èdè Rọ́ṣíà."


Since his arrest on May 25, 2017, some friends have asked Brother Christensen how this tribulation has affected his faith.


Láti May 25, 2017 ni wọ́n ti mú Arákùnrin Christensen, àwọn ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀ kan béèrè lọ́wọ́ rẹ̀ nípa bí gbogbo wàhálà tó ń ṣẹlẹ̀ sí i yìí ṣe ń nípa lórí ìgbàgbọ́ rẹ̀.


His answer has remained the same: “My faith has become only stronger.”


Ohun kan náà ló ṣì fi ń dáhùn látìgbà yẹn: “Ṣe ni ìgbàgbọ́ mi ń lágbára sí i.”


Brother Christensen relates: “I have experienced what is written in the Bible book of James chapter 1, verses 2 to 3: ‘Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance.’”


Arákùnrin Christensen sọ pé: “Ohun tó wà nínú ìwé Jémíìsì orí kìíní ẹsẹ kejì sí ìkẹta ti ṣẹ sí mi lára, èyí tó sọ pé: ‘Ẹ̀yin ará mi, tí oríṣiríṣi àdánwò bá dé bá yín, ẹ ka gbogbo rẹ̀ sí ayọ̀, kí ẹ mọ̀ pé ìgbàgbọ́ yín tí a dán wò ní ti bó ṣe jẹ́ ojúlówó tó máa mú kí ẹ ní ìfaradà.’ ”


Remarkably, Brother Christensen’s faith, and even his joy, has grown amidst increasing hardships and disappointments.


Ó wú wa lórí láti mọ̀ pé láìka gbogbo ìṣòro àti ìjákulẹ̀ tí Arákùnrin Christensen ti kojú sí, ńṣe ni ìgbàgbọ́ rẹ̀ ń lágbára sí i, tí inú rẹ̀ sì ń dùn.


Immediately after his arrest, Brother Christensen was placed in a pretrial detention facility not far from his home in Oryol.


Lẹ́yìn tí ìjọba mú Arákùnrin Christensen, kó tó di pé wọ́n mú un lọ sílé ẹjọ́, wọ́n fi sí àtìmọ́lé níbì kan tí kò fi bẹ́ẹ̀ jìnnà sí ilé rẹ̀ ní ìlú Oryol.


In time, his wife, Irina, was granted permission to visit.


Kò pẹ́ sígbà yẹn, wọ́n gbà Irina ìyàwó rẹ̀ láyè láti máa wá bẹ̀ ẹ́ wò.


Brother Christensen remained in pretrial detention for just over two years.


Ó lé ní ọdún méjì tí wọ́n fi ti Arákùnrin Christensen mọ́lé láì tíì gbọ́ ẹjọ́ rẹ̀.


In February 2019, Brother Christensen was sentenced to six years in prison. Three months later, his appeal was denied.


Ní February 2019, wọ́n dájọ́ ẹ̀wọ̀n ọdún mẹ́fà fún Arákùnrin Christensen. Oṣù mẹ́ta lẹ́yìn náà, ó pe ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn, àmọ́ wọn ò gbà á láyè.


He was subsequently transferred to a prison some 200 kilometers (124 mi) away from Oryol, further distancing him from Irina.


Lẹ́yìn náà wọ́n gbé e lọ sí ẹ̀wọ̀n míì tó jìnnà tó máìlì mẹ́rìnlélọ́gọ́fà [124] (200km) sí ìlú Oryol tí ìyàwó rẹ̀ wà, èyí sì mú kí ibi táwọn méjèèjì wà túbọ̀ jìnnà síra.


For almost a year now, Brother Christensen has qualified to apply for early release, three of his four applications have been denied.


Ó ti fẹ́rẹ̀ẹ́ tó ọdún kan báyìí tí Arákùnrin Christensen ti lẹ́tọ̀ọ́ láti béèrè pé kí wọ́n dá òun sílẹ̀ lẹ́wọ̀n, ó sì ti ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀ lẹ́ẹ̀mẹrin ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀, àmọ́ ẹ̀ẹ̀mẹta ni ìjọba ti dá a lóhùn pé kò ṣeé ṣe.


Despite these reasons for disappointment, Brother Christensen remains steadfast.


Láìka gbogbo ìjákulẹ̀ yìí sí, Arákùnrin Christensen kò jẹ́ kí ìgbàgbọ́ rẹ̀ nínú Ọlọ́run dín kù.


Brother Christensen humbly admits: “Irina and I are far from perfect, but we have learned to endure and to stay joyful under trial.


Arákùnrin Christensen sọ pé: “Èmi àti Irina ìyàwó mi kì í ṣe eni pípé, àmọ́ a ti kọ́ bá a ṣe lè ní ìfaradà, ká má sì jẹ́ kí ayọ̀ wa dín kù nínú ìṣòro.


And what is most important is that we have drawn even closer to our God and Father, Jehovah.”


Ohun tó wá ṣe pàtàkì jù ni pé, a ti túbọ̀ sún mọ́ Bàbá wa àti Ọlọ́run wa, Jèhófà.”


"We pray in full confidence that Jehovah will continue to help all of our dear brothers and sisters in Russia to keep enduring persecution with joy.—Matthew 5:11, 12."""


"A ò dáwọ́ àdúrà dúró, a sì gbà pé Jèhófà á máa báa lọ láti ṣèrànwọ́ fáwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa ní Rọ́ṣíà, kí wọ́n lè máa láyọ̀ bí wọ́n ṣe ń fara da inúnibíni.—Mátíù 5:11, 12."""


On Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 11:30 a.m., the Saint Petersburg City Court will hear our appeal against the December 2017 ruling that would allow authorities to confiscate our former branch facilities in Russia.


Ní Thursday, May 3, 2018, ní aago mọ́kànlá ààbọ̀ àárọ̀, Ilé Ẹjọ́ Saint Petersburg máa gbọ́ ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tá a pè lórí ẹjọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ dá fún wa ní December 2017 pé kí àwọn aláṣẹ gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé àwọn ilé tá à ń lò fún ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì wa tẹ́lẹ̀ ní Rọ́ṣíà.


If the appeal is denied, the 14-building complex can be immediately confiscated by the State.


Tí wọn ò bá gba ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn tá a pè wọlé, ìjọba lè gbẹ́sẹ̀ lé gbogbo ilé ńlá mẹ́rìnlá (14) tó wà ní ẹ̀ka ọ́fíìsì náà lójú ẹsẹ̀.


"""NEW YORK—The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses arranged for a delegation of brothers from three continents to travel to Moscow to demonstrate the global support for the brothers and sisters in Russia."


"""NEW YORK—Ìgbìmọ̀ Olùdarí àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ṣètò pé káwọn arákùnrin láti ilẹ̀ mẹ́ta ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀ lágbàáyé rìnrìn àjò lọ sílùú Moscow láti ṣojú ẹgbẹ́ ará, kí wọ́n lè jẹ́ káwọn arákùnrin àtàwọn arábìnrin wa ní Rọ́ṣíà mọ̀ pé gbogbo àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà kárí ayé la wà lẹ́yìn wọn."


When the delegation arrived, they were met by the happy faces of their Russian brothers and sisters, some of whom traveled to Moscow from as far away as Siberia.


Nígbà táwọn aṣojú náà dé sí Rọ́ṣíà, tayọ̀tayọ̀ làwọn ará lọ́kùnrin lóbìnrin lọ pàdé wọn, Sàìbéríà lọ́hùn-ún lọ́hùn-ún làwọn kan tiẹ̀ ti rìnrìn àjò wá sí Moscow.


The delegates assured the Russian brothers and sisters of their intense concern for them and the heartfelt prayers of the worldwide brotherhood.


Àwọn aṣojú náà fi dá àwọn ará ní Rọ́ṣíà lójú pé ọ̀rọ̀ wọn ń ká àwọn lára gan-an, àwọn ará kárí ayé ò sì dákẹ́ àdúrà lórí wọn.


One member of the delegation stated: “I was truly moved by the courageous attitude of my Russian brothers, especially as there was very little expectation of a reversal of the unjust decision to ban their activity.”


Ọ̀kan lára àwọn aṣojú náà sọ pé: “Ìgboyà táwọn ará mi ní Rọ́ṣíà ní wú mi lórí gan-an, torí wọn ò tiẹ̀ fi gbogbo ara retí pé ilé ẹjọ́ máa yí ẹjọ́ tí kò tọ́ tí wọ́n dá pa dà pé àwọn fòfin de iṣẹ́ wọn.”


Despite the negative decision by the three-judge panel, an atmosphere of genuine love and unity pervaded the courtroom.


Bó tiẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ibi pẹlẹbẹ lọ̀bẹ tún fi lélẹ̀ nígbà tí ìgbìmọ̀ ẹlẹ́ni mẹ́ta tún ẹjọ́ náà gbọ́, ṣe làwọn ará ṣera wọn lọ́kan nínú ilé ẹjọ́ náà, wọ́n sì ń fìfẹ́ tòótọ́ hàn síra wọn.


There was deep sadness at hearing Jehovah’s name reproached in such a public setting and a sober awareness that a time of testing lies ahead for the Witnesses in Russia.


Ìbànújẹ́ dorí wọn kodò nígbà tí wọ́n gbọ́ bí àwọn èèyàn ṣe pẹ̀gàn orúkọ Jèhófà ní gbangba bẹ́ẹ̀, tí wọ́n sì mọ̀ pé àdánwò ìgbàgbọ́ ló délẹ̀ fáwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà ní Rọ́ṣíà yìí.


Yet, the dignity and affection displayed by the brothers and sisters in the courtroom was sufficient evidence to refute the erroneous charge of “extremism” upheld by the appeal judges.


Síbẹ̀, báwọn ará ṣe fìfẹ́ hàn nílé ẹjọ́ lọ́jọ́ yẹn, tí wọ́n sì hùwà tọ̀wọ̀tọ̀wọ̀ ti tó láti ṣe ẹ̀rí pé irọ́ gbuu ni ẹ̀sùn “agbawèrèmẹ́sìn” tí wọ́n fi kan àwa Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà, táwọn adájọ́ tó tún ẹjọ́ gbọ́ náà fọwọ́ sí.


Mark Sanderson, a member of the Governing Body, led the delegation.


Mark Sanderson, tó jẹ́ ara Ìgbìmọ̀ Olùdarí, ló ṣáájú àwọn ará tó rìnrìn àjò wá sí Rọ́ṣíà.


He warmly encouraged the brothers to “be strong and courageous” in the days ahead.


Ó fìfẹ́ gbé àwọn ará ró, ó ní kí wọ́n “jẹ́ alágbára àti onígboyà” bí wọ́n ṣe ń retí àwọn ohun tó máa ṣẹlẹ̀.


As the visiting brothers left the courtroom, the local Witnesses embraced them and expressed appreciation for their support on this historic occasion.


Nígbà táwọn aṣojú yìí ń kúrò nílé ẹjọ́, ṣe làwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà tó ń gbé ní Rọ́ṣíà ń dì mọ́ wọn, tí wọ́n sì ń sọ pé àwọn mọyì bí wọ́n ṣe wá ti àwọn lẹ́yìn lórí ọ̀rọ̀ pàtàkì tó wà nílẹ̀ yìí.


The delegation also visited 21 embassies in Moscow to provide accurate information about the negative effects of Russia’s attack on Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Àwọn aṣojú náà tún dé àwọn ọ́fíìsì aṣojú ìjọba orílẹ̀-èdè mọ́kànlélógún [21] tó wà nílùú Moscow kí wọ́n lè ṣe ẹ̀kúnrẹ́rẹ́ àlàyé fún wọn nípa bí inúnibíni tí àwọn aláṣẹ Rọ́ṣíà ń ṣe yìí ṣe ń nípa lórí àwọn Ẹlẹ́rìí Jèhófà.


These include cases of arson on homes of Witnesses, jobs lost, harassment of children at schools, and criminal charges for organizing Christian meetings against several elders, including Brother Dennis Christensen, who remains in pre-trial detention.