The last two months have seen a significant escalation of religious persecution in the temporarily occupied Crimea. The security forces have intensified pressure on believers who do not belong to the “staple” denominations.
For example, during this time, in Yevpatoria, the invaders dismantled the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of the OCU, and community members were being forced to pay the costs of demolition. The same is happening among Muslim communities. Recent raids and the closure of religious Muslim schools if they do not recognize the Crimean mufti indicate pressure on believers. Also, the “Supreme Court of Crimea” has recently increased the punishment for members of Jehovah’s Witnesses, replacing suspended sentences with real imprisonment.
Such an escalation in the persecution of believers of other faiths should be linked to the political situation in the region. In particular, with the intention of the Russian security forces to take advantage of the attention of the international community, which is focused on the war, to destroy potential centers of resistance to its occupation administration.
You can stop the policy of the Russian invaders and their collaborators by publicizing their crimes and demanding their international prosecution. You can also participate in rallies in support of Ukraine or donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.