Russia Clamps Down on Religious Freedom
A so-called anti-terrorism law passed by the Russian parliament would put severe restrictions on religious freedom by banning religious gatherings in homes and regulating propagation of religion, including on the Internet, according to reports.
Both houses of the Russian parliament have passed the anti-terrorism legislation package, leading the country's Christians to appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to reject the measure.
The legislation would prohibit the exercise of any missionary activity in residential areas, and also require believers wanting to share their faith with others, even on the Internet, to possess certain documents from a religious association. It provides for a fine of $75 to $765 if the violator is a Russian citizen, and a fine of up to $15,265 in case of an organization, while foreigners would be deported, according to Adventist Review.
