Anti-Cult Organizations: Suppression of Religious Freedom under the Guise of Security

 

In recent years, the state of religious freedoms has worsened in many countries, as highlighted in the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reports for 2020 and 2023. These documents underscore the importance of protecting religious rights and reveal mounting threats in specific regions, especially in Russia and occupied areas of Ukraine. A key aspect of the reports is the impact of anti-cult organizations, actively operating in Russia and state-supported. These groups contribute significantly to the suppression of religious minorities and are part of a political repression mechanism, obstructing free religious expression.

Systematic Violations and Heightened Repression

According to the 2020 report, discrimination against religious minorities continues in Russia, especially through anti-extremism laws and various bans affecting groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims. For instance, in 2017, the Russian Supreme Court declared Jehovah’s Witnesses an extremist organization, leading to arrests, persecution, and a ban on religious gatherings. These measures have resulted in numerous detentions and even cases of torture.

In 2023, the Commission's focus returned to Russia and its actions in occupied territories in Ukraine. In these regions, Russian authorities continue to systematically suppress religious minorities using repressive legislation and military action. For instance, in Crimea and Donbas, Russian authorities restrict the distribution of religious literature and ban the activities of various religious organizations, including Muslim and Protestant groups. Numerous cases of kidnapping and torture of religious leaders have been reported.

The Role of Anti-Cult Movements in Violating Religious Freedoms

Anti-cult organizations, like the "St. Irenaeus of Lyons Center," play a key role in shaping public opinion against new religious movements (NRMs) and encouraging the adoption of repressive laws. They also conduct an active information campaign, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the government, targeting religious minorities. Russia’s anti-cult policy is often based on an ideology of "spiritual security," which effectively justifies repression and violence.

In 2023, anti-cult groups supported by the Russian government expanded their influence, becoming a tool of oppression in occupied areas of Ukraine. These groups accuse certain religious communities of "extremism" and "terrorism," enabling Russian authorities to conduct arrests and harsh persecution despite the lack of evidence of violence by these groups.

Conclusion

The USCIRF reports for 2020 and 2023 demonstrate that religious freedoms in Russia and its occupied territories are under significant threat. The politicized use of government-supported anti-cult movements contributes to repression and creates conditions for the oppression of religious minorities. The international community must step up monitoring and countering these human rights violations and ensure the protection of religious minorities and rights to religious freedom.

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