After 2017, prosecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia has become widespread. As of May 27, 2024:

• There have been 2,084 searches since 2017;
• Criminal cases under Article 282.2 have been initiated against 799 people;
• 467 believers have been convicted;
• 157 Witnesses have received prison terms;
• 251 have been given suspended sentences;
• 63 have been fined.

A total of 126 believers are in custody (in penal colonies and pre-trial detention facilities).

Of the total of 383 criminal cases under pretrial investigation, many were initiated against groups of believers.

Thus, it is evident that the prosecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses continues.

Has anyone succeeded in intimidating Jehovah’s Witnesses? No, no one has. They continue to preach, to help one another, and to support prisoners of conscience. They firmly believe that persecution strengthens their faith in Jehovah, and strong faith brings inner peace.

An important distinguishing characteristic of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that they do not lose their optimism and joy despite difficulties and trials. Under such circumstances believers usually cite the words of James, the brother of Jesus Christ, that temptations and trials should be accepted with great joy.¹James 1:2.

How do Jehovah’s Witnesses manage to maintain their joy in times of trial? “A Christian gains joy, or a deep sense of happiness, from knowing that he is pleasing Jehovah and following Jesus’ example,” The Watchtower notes. “Like a flame burning inside the protection of a lantern, this type of joy burns within a Christian’s heart. It does not flicker when health fails or money is scarce. And it is not snuffed out by ridicule or opposition from family members or others. Rather than being put out, the flame burns brighter each time opposers try to extinguish it. The trials we face because of our faith confirm that we are true disciples of Christ.”²How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, The Watchtower, February 2021, paragraph 6.

Jehovah’s Witnesses value a sense of humor. Their publications have much to say about how humor helps us deal with worries, overcome difficulties, and fight off illness; how it contributes to good relationships, strengthens the immune system, alleviates pain, lessens anxiety, relaxes emotional and muscular tension, inspires creativity and hope.³See, for example: Facing Illness with a Sense of Humor, Awake!, April 22, 2005, p.26.

“Did Jesus have a sense of humor?” This question is considered in a Watchtower article. “For Christians today, a sense of humor can lighten the gloom in times of stress.”⁴How Some Are Remembered: What Did People Remember About Jesus?, The Watchtower, August 15, 2003, p.8.

Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain a positive attitude and a sense of humor both in everyday life and in times of serious trial. They believe that in God’s Kingdom, which will be established after Armageddon, people will not get sick or die, and they will be able to live forever in paradise on earth (Revelation 22:1-3).

Those who know the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses understand that they have endured the most severe persecution and have not forsaken their faith. And they are not afraid of persecution in today’s Russia. These believers look forward with hope and optimism to the coming of God’s Kingdom, as they preach to all who are ready to listen to their good news.

• 1
  James 1:2. ↩︎
• 2
  How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, The Watchtower, February 2021, paragraph 6. ↩︎
• 3
  See, for example: Facing Illness with a Sense of Humor, Awake!, April 22, 2005, p.26. ↩︎
• 4
  How Some Are Remembered: What Did People Remember About Jesus?, The Watchtower, August 15, 2003, p.8. ↩︎