Jehova's Witness denied appeal in Russian court

Dennis Christensen, a Jehovah’s Witness that has been held since May 25 on charges of extremist activity, was denied his appeal for his pretrial incarceration.

Mr. Christensen, a Danish Citizen was arrested for being a member of the of the Oryol Local Religious Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, an organization he is not a member of. The pretrial detention is to continue until the Federal Security Service (FSB) concludes a criminal investigation.

The Oryol Religious Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses was eliminated and the decision was upheld by the Russian Supreme Court in April 2017. Mr. Christensen has been denied visits and phone calls by family and friends.