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This is our official position is found here:
https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-protestants/#?insight[search_id]=267c5f94-25af-4a38-953c-27cb18721c90&insight[search_result_index]=1
Just thought I 'd point this out. Although, we may be interpreted that way from non-witnesses...

When either a religious group or a group of religions are singled out for suppression of their freely chosen movement and activities, then this might be termed persecution. To the extent that the reason for the suppression was related to teaching and preaching the message of the Bible or following Bible precepts, then this is the same as being persecuted for our Christianity (being persecuted for Christ's name's sake). Therefore, at least a portion of the suppression is "persecution" and Jesus said that Christians would be persecuted for following him.
Obviously, we don't want to suffer for breaking a law of Caesar's (assuming that Caesar's law doesn't conflict with God's law).
(1 Peter 2:19, 20) 19 For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. 20 For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God.
(1 Peter 3:17) 17 For it is better to suffer because you are doing good, if it is God’s will to allow it, than because you are doing evil.
(1 Peter 4:15, 16) 15 However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name.
This is the only prophecy that we can be sure is related to the ban in Russia. Jesus prophesied that persons bearing the name "Christian" would be persecuted. Even though the courts have claimed that the ban is not for being Christian, but for other things like:
"encouraging suicide" "claiming superiority over other religions, thus infringing on the freedom of conscience of others" "breaking up family associations" "enticement of minors into religious associations" "requiring that members proselytize in order to convert persons of other religions or ideologies." But at least a couple of these so-called "problems" with JWs should be intrinsic to basic Christianity. Therefore another Christian precept is to "defend and legally establish" the good news.
(Philippians 1:7) 7 It is only right for me to think this regarding all of you, since I have you in my heart, you who are sharers with me in the undeserved kindness both in my prison bonds and in the defending and legally establishing of the good news.
The suppression in Russia does not prove that we are the most persecuted religion on earth. (In fact, the vast majority of lands that we preach in benefit from freedom of religion laws that uphold peaceful assembly and the right to preach and live in almost any way we wish.)
The suppression in Russia may end up being just another pendulum swing in the legal battles Witnesses have had with the Russian government. It could all go another way in a matter of months. (And it could get much worse.)
Most of all, it does not mean anything specifically with regard to the "king of the north" or the idea that the U.N. might take a stand against all religion. We do not know who the "king of the north" is. As JTR said, all the guesses made in the past have never panned out as predicted. It's quite possible that our biggest test of faith will be the realization that the prophecy about the "king of the north" already came true two thousand years ago or more. 
It may also be true that we should NOT expect a special cry of peace and security. The context of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians actually makes this a real possibility. Paul may have been saying no more than "you won't be able to predict the time of the end by looking for wars and rumors of wars -- it could just as easily come during a time when at least some people are speaking about 'peace and security.'"
This would be the near equivalent of what 2 Peter says:
(2 Peter 3:4) . . .“Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.”
That matches the way that Jesus predicted that it could occur during a time of peace and security:
(Matthew 24:36-44) 36 “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 41 Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 42 Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.
It's the kind of peace and security that keeps people from paying attention and keeping on the watch. In other words, there will be no sign. If Paul was speaking of a separate cry of peace and security, then this would be an obvious sign, which Jesus said we would not get.
In fact, this was Charles Taze Russell's view of Matthew 24 prior to 1914 and it was a view that continued even after 1914. The following is from Studies in the Scriptures, Volume IV:
The History of Eigtheen Centuries Briefly Foretold --Matt. 24:6-13; Mark 13:7-13; Luke 21:9-19-- "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors [threats, intrigues] of wars: see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are primary sorrows." Matt. 24:6-8
Thus briefly did our Lord summarize secular history, and teach the disciples not to expect very soon his second coming and glorious Kingdom. And how aptly: surely the world's history is just this--an account of wars, intrigues, famines and pestilences--little else. Our Lord separates the history of the true Church and states it with similar brevity, thus:
"Then [during that same period, the Gospel age] they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations [peoples] for my name's sake. And then [during that same period] many shall be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets [teachers] shall rise and [D567] shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt. 24:9-13
In the light of history would it be possible to portray the course of God's true Church in fewer words? Surely not. The likeness is perfect. "Whosoever will live godly shall suffer persecution," is the Apostle's declaration; and whoever has not shared it has every reason to doubt his relationship to God as a son. (Heb. 12:8)
 
I doubt that such a change in doctrine will happen any time soon, but this doctrine about Matthew 24 (as it was once taught in the Watch Tower publications) is probably a change in doctrine that has a good chance of being accepted again, assuming that the scene of the world does not change too significantly over the next few decades. (Chances of that seem pretty slim, too.)
This leaves us exactly where we should be, trusting in Jehovah, in any and every situation, whether in favorable season or troublesome season:
(Psalm 56:3-12)  3 Whatever day I get afraid, I, for my part, shall trust even in you.  4 In union with God I shall praise his word. In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?  5 All day long they keep hurting my personal affairs; All their thoughts are against me for bad.  6 They attack, they conceal themselves, They, for their part, keep observing my very steps, While they have waited for my soul.  7 On account of [their] hurtfulness cast them forth. In anger bring down even the peoples, O God.  8 My being a fugitive you yourself have reported. Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book?  9 At that time my enemies will turn back, on the day that I call; This I well know, that God is for me. 10 In union with God I shall praise [his] word; In union with Jehovah I shall praise [his] word. 11 In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can earthling man do to me? 12 Upon me, O God, there are vows to you. I shall render expressions of thanksgiving to you.  

There are several of these short videos of this type here. They are concise and useful for learning. But from the ones I've watched, there is a kind of agenda running through them that repeatedly tries to claim that the Greek alphabet was derived from the Hebrew. This particular video, above, states it explicitly.
This appears to be wrong, though. The Hebrew alphabet was derived from the Phoenician. The Greek alphabet was also derived from the Phoenician. Otherwise how could the Greek alphabet be more closely tied to the Phoenician than the Hebrew? Several of the Phoenician letters made it into the Greek alphabet but never made it into the Hebrew. 

The Hebrew Origin of the Roman Alphabet
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U.S. says Russia's Jehovah's Witnesses ban is latest sign Moscow views independent religions as a threat The Russian justice ministry’s call for the country’s Jehovah’s Witnesses headquarters to be shut down represents an attempt to “eliminate the legal existence” of the religion, said the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The USCIRF is a bipartisan federal commission, with commissioners appointed by the president, the Senate and the House.
The justice ministry suspended the Jehovah’s Witnesses headquarters in St. Petersburg last month, alleging that its activities “violate Russia’s law on combating extremism.” The Russian branch of the U.S.-based religion said a ban on its headquarters would directly affect around 400 local branches in the country and all 2277 of its religious groups, with their 175,000 followers.
Russia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on the matter Wednesday. The USCIRF said that if the court sides with the justice ministry it would constitute the first time Russia has banned an organized religious organization.
“The Russian government’s latest actions appear designed to eliminate the legal existence of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,” Thomas J. Reese, S.J., chair of the USCIRF, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said in a statement released Monday.
“If the Supreme Court rules in April that this group is ‘extremist’ it would mark the first time that Russia legally has banned a centrally-administered religious organization and would effectively criminalize all Jehovah’s Witnesses’ activity nationwide. USCIRF calls on the Russian government to stop its harassment of this peaceful religious group.”
The statement from the group added: “The treatment of the Jehovah’s Witnesses reflects the Russian government’s tendency to view all independent religious activity as a threat to its control and the country’s political stability.”
The Russian branch of the Jehovah’s Witnesses has vehemently denied the Kremlin's charges, stating that “extremism is profoundly alien to the Bible-based beliefs and morality” of members of the faith. It warned of the far-ranging impact in the country for religious liberty.
Russia’s dominant religion is Russian Orthodox Christianity, which comprises about 72 percent of the population, up from just 31 percent in 1991, according to analysis from the Pew Research Center.“Millions of believers around the world consider the action of the Ministry of a big mistake,” the group said. “If the claim is satisfied, it would entail catastrophic consequences for the freedom of religion in Russia.”   http://www.newsweek.com/russia-jehovahs-witnesses-ban-religion-579045

4. DAY TRIAL IN RUSSIA, APRIL 12, 2017
( by  Jose A. Gutierrez, Spain )
Explanation made with the help of Russian Brothers and Sisters....
 More than 200 people have held queues since 5:30 in the morning to enter
As far as we are informed, the Commemoration has been held smoothly and peacefully except for 3 congregations where the police entered violently and took the personal data of all attendees.
The trial begins giving the floor to our lawyers who immediately expose the violation of Russian and international laws by the Ministry of Justice.
In particular, they have violated the following laws: articles 9, 10, 11 of the European Convention, articles 28, 29, 30 of the Russian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, Russia faces international condemnation of violating the right of Jehovah's Witnesses to freedom of religion, according to judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), a court with authority.
According to the Court of Human Rights (ECHR), it has been determined that it clearly determines whether a text incites hatred and enmity, inciting violence and revenge of blood. The Ministry of Justice has sent a report to the European Court of Human Rights stating clearly that there is evidence of violence in witnesses' publications.
Our lawyers respond that witnesses have numerous awards and recognition from local authorities for their conduct and that no one has ever warned witnesses of extremist activities.
The judge had previously requested the position of the administrative center (Bethel) against extremist activities. As Bethel has not been called to trial, our lawyers explain: 1) The first thing they do is inform all congregations in Russia of every publication that is banned by the Ministry of Justice. 2) There is a commission that prevents the appearance of extremist material in our publications. 3) In vain they notify the authorities. 4) unsuccessfully, the Prosecutor General's office was asked to inform them that other measures are expected from witnesses.
Our lawyers remind the court that international law prohibits degrading and inhuman treatment. The Ministry of Justice is violating these laws by persecuting witnesses, seeking that believers are afraid to openly practice their Faith.
In fact, some brother has received political asylum in Europe when the congregation of Taganrog was dissolved by the police. However, the vast majority of the 175,000 witnesses will not leave Russia if persecuted.
For the first time, our lawyers make the court hear the thousands of letters and national and international calls that have come to Russia calling for the prosecution of witnesses to be stopped for political reasons and noting the misapplication of the antiterrorist law to witnesses. Have written the most recognized Russian human rights activists, who have written to the Helsinki Group of Moscow, as well as the various appeals to the Russian government of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and others, The Ministry of Justice Is ignoring all the signals, continues to act as a repressive body.

The Ministry of Justice has always been biased because it has insisted on using only the conclusions of experts who found "signs of extremism" in Jehovah's Witness literature. This is further proof that the action of the Ministry of Justice is to prohibit Jehovah's Witnesses for political reasons.
Regarding the issue of preventing medical treatment, lawyers point to Russian laws that precisely defend the rights of Russian patients with the possibility of choosing or not a medical treatment. The Ministry of Health itself recognizes in writing the dangers of blood transfusions, as well as the obligation to obtain the written consent of a patient to be operated. Why is this right allowed to other religions and not witnesses?
The judge begins to ask the lawyers for the witnesses.
Does the administrative center dictate the interpretation of the Bible to all congregations? He is told that no, that the guidelines are given by a Board, are international guidelines.
In what sense does the administrative center (Bethel) coordinate the activities of congregations? Answer: Congregations are autonomous entities and Bethel only gives them recommendations. For example, if there is doubt in building a kingdom hall, Bethel recommends that they become modest. But the final decision is from the congregation.
The judge is interested in the statutes of Bethel and congregations. The judge is guaranteed that these statutes are in tune with the witnesses' faith.
The judge asks whether the organization of witnesses can be u -
( translated  by  google )

Interviewing witnesses Koretskaya, the court pointed out that it uses personal notes when testifying. The lawyer Lew asked, how do you explain the similarity of the wording of its records with texts from the site well-known anti-sectarian center. The court decided to read the recordings Koretskaya later.
Interviewing witnesses Zverev, the court asks, "If you harm if you are treated to the competent authorities on the matter?" The witness did not address. Zverev said that influenced the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses, he personally experienced the hatred of the clergy of the Orthodox religion. The witness denies that he is anti-cult organizations, though there are pictures with the most famous "sectologists".
Witness Justice Petrov, a former Jehovah's Witness. In 1983, he became a Jehovah's Witness, she left work associated with the promotion of military heroism, because it does not meet the doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2009, she left the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. As an example of extremist activity Administrative Center of results in the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses are excluded from its ranks those who commit sins. (The court asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, which is the Ministry of Justice the arguments set forth in the claim, confirmed by the testimony of this witness? The Ministry of Justice once again talking about a possible threat to the public.) On the question of the court, the witness Petrov saw that someone was distributing extremist literature, the witness He says he does not see.
18:11 The Court of Justice welcomes the last witness, V.V.Koretskogo. 18:11 The Court of Justice welcomes the last witness, V.V.Koretskogo. 18:11 Interviewing witnesses Koretskaya, the court pointed out that it uses personal notes when testifying. The lawyer Lew asked, how do you explain the similarity of the wording of its records with texts from the site well-known anti-sectarian center. The court decided to read the recordings Koretskaya later.
Interviewing witnesses Zverev, the court asks, "If you harm if you are treated to the competent authorities on the matter?" The witness did not address. Zverev said that influenced the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses, he personally experienced the hatred of the clergy of the Orthodox religion. The witness denies that he is anti-cult organizations, though there are pictures with the most famous "sectologists".
Witness Justice Petrov, a former Jehovah's Witness. In 1983, he became a Jehovah's Witness, she left work associated with the promotion of military heroism, because it does not meet the doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2009, she left the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. As an example of extremist activity Administrative Center of results in the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses are excluded from its ranks those who commit sins. (The court asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice, which is the Ministry of Justice the arguments set forth in the claim, confirmed by the testimony of this witness? The Ministry of Justice once again talking about a possible threat to the public.) On the question of the court, the witness Petrov saw that someone was distributing extremist literature, the witness He says he does not see.
The Court of Justice welcomes the last witness, V.V.Koretskogo.
18:30 In 2009 Koretsky left the ranks of Jehovah's Witnesses. The judge asked whether the 2009 limited his knowledge of Jehovah's Witnesses. Witness: Yes. The Ministry of Justice asked the witness to explain what he knows about Jehovah's Witnesses to higher education, to the state symbols. The court asked the representative of the Ministry of Justice: "If you do not specify the points in the grounds of the claim, why do we find out?" The representative of the Ministry of Justice, "the question is removed." On the question of the court, whether Koretsky is interested in the outcome of the case, he answers briefly: "Yes."
The court announces a break until April 19, 2017 10:00.
Case to proceed on April 19th after the memorial special talk on April 16th ENTITLED "HOW TO CULTIVATE PEACE IN AN ANGRY WORLD" WOW. THANK YOU JEHOVAH FOR A GREAT WITNESS TO THE WORLD.

he court announces a break until April 19, 2017 10:00.
Case to proceed on April 19th after the memorial special talk on April 16th ENTITLED "HOW TO CULTIVATE PEACE IN AN ANGRY WORLD" WOW. THANK YOU JEHOVAH FOR A GREAT WITNESS TO THE WORLD.

RUSSIAN SUPREME COURT COMPLETES EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES FOR THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IN CASE FOR LIQUIDATION OF J.W.
Portal-Credo.Ru, 12 April 2017
 
The Supreme Court of the RF, as already noted earlier, granted on 12 April the petition of the Ministry of Justice for examining four witnesses for the plaintiff in the case for the  liquidation and recognition as "extremist" of all 396 religious organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. Acting as witnesses for the plaintiff were persons who in the past professed the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses but who subsequently left it, a Portal-Credo.Ru correspondent reports.
 
Speaking as the first witness for the side of the Ministry of Justice was Natalia Koretskaia, who left the JW religion many years ago. She was not able to explain to the court how in this case she could know about "incidents of extremist activity of the Jehovah's Witnesses" in recent years.
 
Questioning the witness Koretskaia, the judge called attention to the fact that she was using personal notes in giving testimony. An attorney for the defendant asked her how she could explain the similarity of wording from her notes "to texts from the website of a well known anti-sectarian center." The judge made the decision to acquaint himself with Koretskaia's notes later.
 
Questioning a witness for the Ministry of Justice, Pavel Zverev, the judge posed to him the question: "If you were harmed, did you turn to competent agencies with regard to this matter?" The witness answered that he did not. Zverev told the judge that under the influence of JW literature he "personally experienced hatred toward clergy of the Orthodox religion." To the question whether he is a member of anti-cultic organizations, Zverev answered that he was not, although had met and been photographed with the most famous "sect scholar."
 
After the examination of Zverev, the judge invited justice ministry witness Petrova, who also in the past had been a member of a JW religious organization. Petrova told the court that in 1983, after becoming a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, she quit her job, which was "connected with the propaganda of military heroism," since this is not consistent with the JW teaching. In 2009 she left the JW religion. As an example of the extremist activity of the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses the witness cited the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses supposedly "exclude from their ranks those who commit sins." After the examination of Petrova, the judge asked the lawyer for the Ministry of Justice just what arguments of the justice ministry's lawsuit were confirmed by the testimony of this witness? The response again spoke about a hypothetical "possible threat to an indefinite circle of persons." To the judge's question whether the witness Petrova had seen anybody distribute extremist literature, the witness answered that she had not.
 
At 18:30 the judge summoned the last witness for the justice ministry, V.V. Koretsky. Koretsky left the Jehovah's Witnesses in 2009.
 
To the judge's question whether his knowledge about Jehovah's Witnesses was limited to the year 2009, the witness answered "yes." A lawyer for the Ministry of Justice asked the witness to explain what he knows about the attitude of Jehovah's Witnesses to higher education and to state symbols. The judge posed to the justice ministry's lawyer a counter question: "If you have not indicated these points in the grounds of the lawsuit, why do we need to clarify this?" The justice ministry's lawyer answered that "the question is withdrawn." To the judge's question of whether Koretsky is interested in the outcome of the case, he answered briefly: "yes."
 
After hearing the witnesses from the Ministry of Justice, the judge declared a recess until 10:00, 19 April 2017. (tr. by PDS, posted 12 April 2017)

United Airlines drags out new campaign, solving 'Overbooked Flights'!
United Airlines lost $1 billion dollars in market capitalization this morning. Behold the power of social media.
The airline will probably get it back because people don't stick to their guns when they boycott but just imagine if they did!
I guarantee your customer service would improve!
#UnitedAirlines #SocialMediaActivism

14:30 The representative of the Ministry of Justice continues to ask questions to representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses. What measures are being taken to prevent the CA extremist activities after the issuance of the Prosecutor General's warning March 2, 2016. Lawyers list. The court sets a representative of the Ministry of Justice clarifying questions: If the CA did not take anything at all? It would be the basis to remove them? Is extremism is by negligence or inaction? Reply by the representative of Ministry of Justice No. Court: If not, we're all trying to figure out? Why then do the Ministry of Justice it imputes blame CA? 14:45 The Ministry of Justice is the court "internal" document of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Ministry of Justice obtained from public sources. When asked the court representative of the Ministry of Justice reported that the letter was taken from the site NTV. The representative of the Ministry of Justice believes that the text of the letter will help clarify how each other are connected financially CA and MPO. Lawyers are not ready to confirm that this letter is authentic, but it is obvious that the MPO are neither recipients nor the sender of the letter, and then a letter is irrelevant to the process. Court postpones until later the question of whether the text to attach to the case file. 14:58 The Ministry of Justice seeks to question four witnesses for the plaintiff. We are talking about people who in the past practiced the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, but later abandoned it. Defendants argue. The court grants the motion to question witnesses for the plaintiff. 15:05 It begins examination of a witness by the defendant, Zavyalova Valentina Mihaylovicha, since 1992 professor at the IISS. Profess the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 20 years. He said that the meetings of his religious group never used literature made to FSEM. The names of the literature posted on the wall of the room where services are held. Believers carefully inspect the premises prior to the beginning of worship, to exclude the possibility of finding such literature on the worship. 15:20 Witness Eugene Skladchikov, Ph.D., professor of MSTU. Bauman. Of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1998. He said that the Jehovah's Witnesses religion attracted him unconditional peacefulness of biblical teaching, it is absolutely not compatible with extremism. No extremist publications in worship are not used.

8:00 Moscow, Cook Street. Invigorating morning. Numbed fingers. More than 200 people enter. Those who stand in the queue, came to the court by taxi to 5:30, but they were not the first: in a parked car is already basking in the faithful who came to the court, which decided the freedom of religion in Russia.

9:30 On the eve of April 11, 2017, most of Jehovah's Witnesses groups celebrating the Lord's Supper safely passed. At the moment, it is known that police officers and other law enforcement agencies intruded on celebrations in Snezhinsk (Chelyabinsk region).. They rewrote the passport data of the faithful. Also, law enforcement officers came to worship in the city of Krasnoyarsk and Michurinsk (Tambov region.) To ask questions or give believers agenda. 9:58 "I ask you all to stand!" The court announces the continuation of the hearing and to give explanations to speak lawyer Anton Omelchenko. Omelchenko said that his explanation will concern how the claim of Justice violated the provisions of the Constitution and international treaties.

10:12 Omelchenko loudly and convincingly proves that the action of the Justice Ministry in contravention of articles 9, 10, 11 of the European Convention, Articles 28, 29, 30 of the Russian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. He quotes from the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in which an authoritative court establishes the right of Jehovah's Witnesses to freedom of religion. Something that requires the Ministry of Justice, is not justified and proportionate measure. 10:18 ECHR in its judgments clearly determined which texts can be considered to incite hatred and enmity - incitement to violence, to the blood feud, calls, justifies the use of physical force. It is noteworthy that in the memorandum, which the Russian Federation has sent to the ECHR, namely the Ministry of Justice has recognized that there are no open calls for violence (p. 41) in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. 10:25 Omelchenko said that the community of Jehovah's Witnesses, which the Ministry of Justice asking to liquidate, received numerous awards and commendations from local authorities (there are in fact), but they did not receive warnings about the inadmissibility of extremist activity. 10:31 Speaking about the disparity required Ministry of Justice action Omelchenko lists the steps that are taken Administrative Center (UC) of Jehovah's Witnesses: 1) notify all MPO of books introducing in FSEM, 2) established a commission to prevent the emergence of extremist materials, 3) to no avail notify authorities of planted 4) unsuccessfully asked the Prosecutor General's Office, what further action can be expected from the Jehovah's Witnesses, to avoid "extremist activity". 10:43 International law prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. This rule protects the dignity, including the right to mental integrity of the individual. Justice lawsuit to ban Jehovah's Witnesses break moral and physical resistance of the person, since forcing them to be afraid to openly practice their faith. Of the victims of criminal prosecution for faith in Taganrog on sentencing left the Russian Federation and even received political asylum in Europe. Their flight eloquently testifies to the fact that believers are afraid to openly practice their religion. Of course, most of the 175 thousands of believers will not leave Russia, and therefore, will be prosecuted in Russia. 10:50 Omelchenko analyzes the legality of actions of the Ministry of Justice. By applicable law, Jehovah's Witnesses are recognized as victims of political repression. At the Ministry of Justice (among other institutions) the law imposed a duty to promote the rehabilitation of the faithful. However Justice moves in the opposite direction. Omelchenko lists domestic and international calls for Russia to stop politically motivated persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses, the misuse of anti-extremist legislation as applied to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is, for example, on the signing of the most well-known Russian human rights activists appeal "Repressive again being harassed", on the open letter of the Moscow Helsinki Group, as well as appeals from various structures in Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation, the United Nations and others. international standards on the prevention of repression, require to pay close attention to the signals coming from the human rights community. The Ministry of Justice is ignoring all the signals, continues to act as a repressive body. 11:04 Omelchenko says biased position of the Justice Ministry. Expert institutions under the Ministry of Justice came to the mutually exclusive conclusions in respect of the same materials as the Jehovah's Witnesses. The Ministry of Justice did nothing to correct the situation. Moreover, the Ministry of Justice has always insisted on using only the conclusions of experts, who found "signs of extremism" in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is further evidence that the action of the Justice Ministry to ban Jehovah's Witnesses politically motivated. 11:12 Lawyer little wife asks opportunity to give an explanation of the court decision, which a few days ago the Ministry of Justice submitted to the court as "an example of violation of the rights of citizens on the part of the religious organization" (history of the patient, which of the two alternatives chosen drug treatment rather than via blood).
A lawyer in the first place, is perplexed as to why the Ministry of Justice did not explain why they have a document containing medical confidentiality.
Second, little wife says that in case of refusal of transfusion it not only is a violation of anyone's rights, but, on the contrary, that the citizens were provided with the right - the right to free and informed treatment. If the patient refused treatment on religious grounds only - it would be a violation of rights. Little wife read out excerpts from the Ministry of Health Order, concerning the dangers of transfusions of blood components, as well as the need to obtain their patient's written consent for the operation. Little wife notes that in Order no reservations, that the representatives of some religions are allowed to exercise the right to informed consent, and the other is not allowed.
11:30 The judge begins to ask questions to representatives of the defendant.
The first question: does the CA interpretation of the Bible of Jehovah's Witnesses to local organizations? The answer is no, the interpretation of sacred texts provide the Steering Board of the Jehovah's Witnesses (international guidelines).
The new question is: in what sense the CA provides a "coordination of activities" MPO (the Charter). Answer: MPO are separate legal entities, however, the CA provides them with recommendations. For example, if there is a question about the construction of the liturgical buildings, CA is referring to the Bible to recommend the construction of a modest, nepompeznogo building. However, the final decision on what will be a new building takes MPO.
The next question the court whether those statutes CA 8 MPO claimed which were liquidated court decisions. Ax representative explained to the court that the founders of the new MPO appeal to the CA with the request to join the TC structure, to speed up the registration process. In this case the CA will certainly agrees their charters, to ensure that the shareholders are Jehovah's Witnesses and that their objectives coincide with the purpose doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Court interested in the question whether the TC founder of non-profit, non-governmental organizations, or LRO, as in the Charter spelled out such a possibility. Lawyers explain to the court that the possibility of the Charter spelled out "just in case", but it was not implemented. The founders of MPO were local citizens. For example, the statute also spelled out the possibility to import literature, however, this possibility is also not being implemented due to objective circumstances.
12:05 Court interested in the question whether the chairmen of the MPO are part of the CA steering committee. Kalin explains that MPO members never included in the CA steering committee.
Are there any solutions CA Required MPO? Kalin explains that when MPO request financial assistance from the CA (in the form of donations), the center of interest the question of how funds are spent. For example, the CA provides a modest project liturgical building and MPO coordinates the project with the local authorities. Or if there is a natural disaster, the CA donates funds to help the faithful and collaborating with MPO to help the victims of Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as their relatives.
Court asks whether the funds are spent on the production of printed materials? Respondents explain that there.
Court: Did the CA literature imports, which was later recognized as extremist? Respondents explain that the CA function is purely logistical: the order of the individuals directly collects foreign publishers, and it also sends them to literature. CA does not deal with "the spread" of literature.
Court: One of the books was imported in Russia not long before it was recognized as extremist, but when it was spread among the believers? Lawyers pay attention to the materials available in the letter case in which the CA immediately announces the introduction of this book FSEM and asks for more it does not use. Naturally, after that CA this book could not spread.
Court: What is the fate of printed products, which is recognized as an extremist? She seized the center of the believers? Destroyed? Lawyers explain that the CA can not dictate to the faithful, what to do with the literature, which is in their possession. However, you may pay attention to the provisions of the law, and does so.
12:30 Turn to ask questions goes to the plaintiff. What is the role of the CA in the approval of the Charter of MPO and their members? Omelchenko gives the following example. The role of the CA in the approval of the Charter of the LRO is similar to the role of the Ministry of Justice: Ministry of Justice checks for compliance with the statutes of the law and the statutes of the CA checks on canonical correspondence.
New questions the representative of Ministry of Justice devoted to the elucidation of how MPO independent in their activities, how much influence the CA on the MPO, including the approval of the governing bodies and the Charter of MPO.
The court sets a representative of the Ministry of Justice a counterclaim clarifying question: "From the point of view of the law as it affects the capacity and legal personality of legal persons?" The question becomes rhetorical. Ministry of Justice: Who are the traveling minister? Who are the special preachers? Responder representatives explain that these attendants cooperate with religious groups, and not with MPO.
12:50 The judge (referring to the representative of the Ministry of Justice): Do you have proof of the plaintiff that the traveling minister and special preachers are somehow involved in the final judgments of the competent authorities for recognition of individuals or MPO guilty of extremist activity? No, the Ministry of Justice of the facts there.
Court (referring to the representative of the Ministry of Justice): As before, if the Ministry of Justice considers that judicial decisions in respect of individuals and MPO have a prejudicial effect for our business? Yes, the Ministry of Justice still thinks so, since CA was aware of these matters. The Court recalls that in this process it is necessary to check the legality of Justice requirements, so please continue to lead the norms of law.
13:10 The representative of the Ministry of Justice is trying to figure out, but does not indicate whether the fact that the CA provides financial assistance to the MPO, the fact that the CA and of MPO - a single organization, the subordinate CAs. Little wife's lawyer explains that if a person has a financial aid to his friend, it does not mean that he is dependent. Ministry of Justice: Is the CA conducts audit of financial activity of MPO? Lawyers explain that such a duty in CA there, but it is the Ministry of Justice carries out regular checks of economic activity MPO, as evidenced by the hundreds of existing regulations in matters of the Ministry of Justice inspections. Moreover, none of the checks did not reveal spending on non-statutory targets. 13:25 Representative of the Ministry of Justice are interested in the question of why CA has sent a letter to the MPO on the recognition of one of the books of extremist only after its inclusion in FSEM if by his own admission believers they knew of the decision earlier, from the information on the website of the district court. Lawyers explain that monitor court decisions on the official websites of courts is extremely difficult, moreover, from summary information on the Court's website it was not clear what we are talking about the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, not the eponymous publication of other origin. 13:35 The representative of the Ministry of Justice points out that, according to the obsolete (to 2010), a copy of "Fundamentals of Faith Jehovah's Witnesses", the main means of spreading the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses is the magazine "Watchtower". Resolution on the distribution of this periodical was withdrawn in Russia, and the document "Foundations of Faith", represented by the Ministry of Justice, be amended accordingly. Representative of the Ministry of Justice are interested in, what is the source of the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses today. Lawyers explain that the foundation beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses is the Bible, with the majority of religious books Witnesses are based on the Orthodox Synodal edition. Needless periodical was not recognized as extremist, but only a few issues. Since 2015, no publication do not enter the country. 13:40 The court announces a break in the court session until 14:30.

Brazil and South Africa (junk status) who were part of the BRIX are both falling apart financially at present.  When Busch went into Iraq USA created severe debt  (I remember we were supposed to build 18 hospitals in Iraq and only 2 were completed - the rest of the money is unaccounted for.)   At the end of Busch's term we were trillions in debt with the financial crisis - very close to collapse.  Few people realize that Obama (whether you like him or not) had the banks tested for resilience and many banks were closed for a day to find out 2 days later that they were taken over by some bigger bank as instructed by the government.  Disaster was averted. All happened quiet so as not to create panic.  And the FED printed a lot of money to get us out of the  sinkhole while the bigger companies were bailed out such as GM by this extra printed money.
Now that things were starting to improve- although we have not yet addressed the deficit and the checks and balances brought in by Obama have been nullified - we may be going to war again.  I agree with this article that this time we may be in too deep as many countries do not want to use the petro-dollar any more.  This could lead to US economic collapse. 
We know the end is close, as predicted by Jesus  - all the signs are here.  After the collapse of Babylon the great we see in revelation 17 + 18 how the merchants cry.   So yes, financial collapse of the world system (stock exchange etc.) will bring severe distress.  We will see the supply chains which bring in food from other countries collapse and people will kill to get their food.  It will not help to hoard food because there may not be law and order and people will do as they please and take food from those who have.
It is a dire picture - but it is realistic - because the worst of human nature appears when there is no law and order.  When the internet collapses (via warfare or otherwise) most bank balances will be obliterated.... and people can just as well throw their gold on the streets as the Bible predicts because the financial system as we know it today will be no more.
Do we still place too much value on our stuff? ....and the status that goes with it?  It is reality check time.

Russia’s Phony Jehovah’s Witnesses   -  April  12, 2017  -  01:35  GMT+2
How state television framed a bunch of university students to make this Christian group seem extra scary.
THE GUILTY OF FALSE EVIDENCE.
In one of the registers of a kingdom hall, the security forces placed false evidence in the form of our publications that were banned. An oversight of these expert policemen, made appear among our publications, the book "What really teaches the Bible?". There is a field where you can put the name of the owner of the book, and there you see the inscription "IKTSMV", which means "Information and Consultation Center of San Mitrofan Voronezh" This center is part of the Russian Association of Centers of Studies of religions and sects (RATSIRS). The Orthodox Church is behind everything. The declared purpose of the center's activities is to persecute those who contradict orthodox morality and the mission aimed at neutralizing programs of proselytism and religious extremism. "
The judges have checked the assembly.
Very wicked!
https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/russian-students-framed-as-jehovahs-witnesses-in-field-trip-to-crowd-courtroom-57684

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What a touching story.  Profound pain.  

Volcano spews huge ash clouds in Russian Kamchatka in surprise eruption after 250 years of silence
The Kambalny volcano, located in the Yuzhno-Kamchatsky wildlife preserve in Kamchatka, showed activity on Saturday after first rumbling a day earlier, for the first time in around 250 years.

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Wanna kill yourself? Imagine this. You come home from school one day. You’ve had yet another horrible day. You’re just ready to give up. So you go to your room, close the door, and take out that suicide note you’ve written and rewritten over and over and over You take out those razor blades, and cut for the very last time. You grab that bottle of pills and take them all. Laying down, holding the letter to your chest, you close your eyes for the very last time. A few hours later, your little brother knocks on your door to come tell you dinners ready. You don’t answer, so he walks in. All he sees is you laying on your bed, so he thinks you’re asleep. He tells your mom this. Your mom goes to your room to wake you up. She notices something is odd. She grabs the paper in your hand and reads it. Sobbing, she tries to wake you up. She’s screaming your name. Your brother, so confused, runs to go tell Dad that “Mommy is crying and sissy won’t wake up.” Your dad runs to your room. He looks at your mom, crying, holding the letter to her chest, sitting next to your lifeless body. It hits him, what’s going on, and he screams. He screams and throws something at the wall. And then, falling to his knees, he starts to cry. Your mom crawls over to him, and they sit there, holding each other, crying. The next day at school, there’s an announcement. The principal tells everyone about your suicide. It takes a few seconds for it to sink in, and once it does, everyone goes silent. Everyone blames themselves. Your teachers think they were too hard on you. Those mean popular girls, they think of all the things they’ve said to you. That boy that used to tease you and call you names, he can’t help but hate himself for never telling you how beautiful you really are. Your ex boyfriend, the one that you told everything to, that broke up with you.. He can’t handle it. He breaks down and starts crying, and runs out of the school. Your friends? They’re sobbing too, wondering how they could never see that anything was wrong, wishing they could have helped you before it was too late. And your best friend? She’s in shock. She can’t believe it. She knew what you were going through, but she never thought it would get that bad… Bad enough for you to end it. She can’t cry, she can’t feel anything. She stands up, walks out of the classroom, and just sinks to the floor. Shaking, screaming, but no tears coming out. It’s a few days later, at your funeral. The whole town came. Everyone knew you, that girl with the bright smile and bubbly personality. The one that was always there for them, the shoulder to cry on. Lots of people talk about all the good memories they had with you, there were a lot. Everyone’s crying, your little brother still doesn’t know you killed yourself, he’s too young. Your parents just said you died. It hurts him, a lot. You were his big sister, you were supposed to always be there for him. Your best friend, she stays strong through the entire service, but as soon as they start lowering your casket into the ground, she just loses it. She cries and cries and doesn’t stop for days. It’s two years later. Your teachers all quit their job. Those mean girls have eating disorders now. That boy that used to tease you cuts himself. Your ex boyfriend doesn’t know how to love anymore and just sleeps around with girls. Your friends all go into depression. Your best friend? She tried to kill herself. She didn’t succeed like you did, but she tried…your brother? He finally found out the truth about your death. He self harms, he cries at night, he does exactly what you did for years leading up to your suicide. Your parents? Their marriage fell apart. Your dad became a workaholic to distract himself from your death. Your mom got diagnosed with depression and just lays in bed all day. People care. You may not think so, but they do. Your choices don’t just effect you. They effect everyone. Don’t end your life, you have so much to live for. Things can’t get better if you give up. I’m here for absolutely anyone that needs to talk, no matter who you are. Even if we’ve NEVER talked before, I’m here for you. Let's see who actually read all of it.
For anyone that feels this way ??
Could 1 friend, please share? We are trying to demonstrate that someone's always listening.
#SuicideAwareness 1-800-273-8255

Wanna kill yourself? Imagine this. You come home from school one day. You’ve had yet another horrible day. You’re just ready to give up. So you go to your room, close the door, and take out that suicide note you’ve written and rewritten over and over and over You take out those razor blades, and cut for the very last time. You grab that bottle of pills and take them all. Laying down, holding the letter to your chest, you close your eyes for the very last time. A few hours later, your little brother knocks on your door to come tell you dinners ready. You don’t answer, so he walks in. All he sees is you laying on your bed, so he thinks you’re asleep. He tells your mom this. Your mom goes to your room to wake you up. She notices something is odd. She grabs the paper in your hand and reads it. Sobbing, she tries to wake you up. She’s screaming your name. Your brother, so confused, runs to go tell Dad that “Mommy is crying and sissy won’t wake up.” Your dad runs to your room. He looks at your mom, crying, holding the letter to her chest, sitting next to your lifeless body. It hits him, what’s going on, and he screams. He screams and throws something at the wall. And then, falling to his knees, he starts to cry. Your mom crawls over to him, and they sit there, holding each other, crying. The next day at school, there’s an announcement. The principal tells everyone about your suicide. It takes a few seconds for it to sink in, and once it does, everyone goes silent. Everyone blames themselves. Your teachers think they were too hard on you. Those mean popular girls, they think of all the things they’ve said to you. That boy that used to tease you and call you names, he can’t help but hate himself for never telling you how beautiful you really are. Your ex boyfriend, the one that you told everything to, that broke up with you.. He can’t handle it. He breaks down and starts crying, and runs out of the school. Your friends? They’re sobbing too, wondering how they could never see that anything was wrong, wishing they could have helped you before it was too late. And your best friend? She’s in shock. She can’t believe it. She knew what you were going through, but she never thought it would get that bad… Bad enough for you to end it. She can’t cry, she can’t feel anything. She stands up, walks out of the classroom, and just sinks to the floor. Shaking, screaming, but no tears coming out. It’s a few days later, at your funeral. The whole town came. Everyone knew you, that girl with the bright smile and bubbly personality. The one that was always there for them, the shoulder to cry on. Lots of people talk about all the good memories they had with you, there were a lot. Everyone’s crying, your little brother still doesn’t know you killed yourself, he’s too young. Your parents just said you died. It hurts him, a lot. You were his big sister, you were supposed to always be there for him. Your best friend, she stays strong through the entire service, but as soon as they start lowering your casket into the ground, she just loses it. She cries and cries and doesn’t stop for days. It’s two years later. Your teachers all quit their job. Those mean girls have eating disorders now. That boy that used to tease you cuts himself. Your ex boyfriend doesn’t know how to love anymore and just sleeps around with girls. Your friends all go into depression. Your best friend? She tried to kill herself. She didn’t succeed like you did, but she tried…your brother? He finally found out the truth about your death. He self harms, he cries at night, he does exactly what you did for years leading up to your suicide. Your parents? Their marriage fell apart. Your dad became a workaholic to distract himself from your death. Your mom got diagnosed with depression and just lays in bed all day. People care. You may not think so, but they do. Your choices don’t just effect you. They effect everyone. Don’t end your life, you have so much to live for. Things can’t get better if you give up. I’m here for absolutely anyone that needs to talk, no matter who you are. Even if we’ve NEVER talked before, I’m here for you. Let's see who actually read all of it.
For anyone that feels this way ??
Could 1 friend, please share? We are trying to demonstrate that someone's always listening.
#SuicideAwareness 1-800-273-8255

What a touching story.  Profound pain.