Years in prison shed no light on why Russia is persecuting Jehovah's Witnesses
"Russia should be a country that follows their own laws," Christensen told UPI in a recent interview over Skype, referring to Russia's Constitution, enacted in late 1993, that declares it a secular nation that grants its residents religious freedom.
"And now, I see no laws."
Christensen arrested, 2002 anti-extremism law
On May 25, 2017, Christensen was sitting near a window in his church as he listened to a sermon when he heard running outside. He thought nothing of it until he was told by a friend that the authorities were asking for him.
Outside, Christensen was met by some 30 FSB officers, half in plainclothes with the other half armed, masked and dressed in the black uniforms of the special purpose OMON police unit.
Christensen sentenced
On Feb. 6, 2019, a Russian court sentenced Christensen to six years imprisonment.
Christensen was placed in a prison camp, where life was greatly improved compared to pretrial detention, as he was afforded more freedom in the barracks. He was allowed to speak with other prisoners, to work if he wished, visit the library and cafeteria and every day call his wife, who was able to visit and stay with him for three days every third month.
Dennis and Irina Christensen
MAY 25, 2022 RUSSIA
Dennis Christensen Released and Deported
https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/russia/Dennis-Christensen-Released-and-Deported/
Dennis Christensen arrived safely in Denmark on May 25, 2022. He was released the previous day from a Russian prison and immediately deported. He spent a total of five years in different detention facilities.
Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia
https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/russia/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/
https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/russia/supreme-court-rules-to-criminalize-jehovahs-witnesses-activity/
Judge Ivanenko added that, effective immediately, this decision terminates all activity of the Witnesses’ legal entities throughout Russia. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses are appealing the decision to the Appellate Chamber of the Supreme Court, the ruling effectively bans their worship.