A Protestant pastor became the first person to be deported under amended anti-terror laws in Russia, it was reported in March.
The laws, implemented in July 2016, introduced sanctions against ‘foreigners conducting missionary activity’.
Pastor Victor-Immanuel Mani, from India, was deported in February, thus separating him from his Russian wife and young child. He is appealing.
Although officially aimed at disrupting terrorist activity, the new anti-terror laws have been used to prosecute Christians. The legislation includes restrictions on ‘missionary activity’ which remain confused at a local level
Protestants targeted
Under these restrictions at least 53 prosecutions have been brought by authorities, 29 of which have been against Christians. Protestant churches, including those with close links to the West, have been especially targeted.
Attention has also focussed on foreign nationals involved in Christian ministry in Russia.
