Unrest in Russia

Russia is currently experiencing ongoing, widespread anti-corruption protests. These protests demonstrate the largest challenge to government control in almost a decade. Meanwhile, the State Duma recently put forth legislation which has significant implications for religious freedom. Religious freedom conditions in Russia have deteriorated rapidly in recent years. In fact, USCIRF has released several reports over the past year detailing why Russia should be designated a country of particular concern for its egregious violations of religious freedom. This week’s discussion explains why USCIRF makes this recommendation, and how recent events there impact religious freedom conditions. Featuring: Dwight Bashir, Director of Outreach and Policy, USCIRF Jason Morton, Senior Policy Analyst, USCIRF Read the report: The Global Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses Read the report: The Anti-Cult Movement and Religious Regulation in Russia and the Former Soviet Union