Russian Federation (44th Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. This report brings attention to the situation of freedom of religion and expression in the Russian Federation, with particular attention to persons belonging to religious minorities. It highlights the barriers related to the registration and operations of unregistered religious groups, as well as cases of police raids and property closures in this regard. It also expresses concern at the impact of anti-extremism laws on religious minority communities, including the censorship of religious publications, the banning of faith-based organizations, and the arrest of hundreds of individuals belonging to affected minority groups. Finally, the report draws attention to a growing trend of targeted threats and arrests of religious leaders for refusing to publicly voice their support for Russia’s military attack on Ukraine.