Owen Courreges notes that Russia has taken a big step backward. The Jehovah's Witnesses have lost their standing as a legally licensed religion.

Without that, the group's 10,000-member Moscow community is forbidden to rent premises, print literature, or officially assemble. The court further ordered the Jehovah's Witnesses to "terminate their activity," which could subject members to fines or arrest simply for gathering in a private home or discussing their faith with friends.