Russia's Supreme Court on Thursday banned Jehovah's Witnesses from operating anywhere in the country, accepting a request from the justice ministry that the religious organization be considered an extremist group. Borisova also said Jehovah's Witnesses' opposition to blood transfusions violates Russian health-care laws. Members of Jehovah's Witnesses wait in a courtroom in Moscow on Thursday. Jehovah's Witnesses claim more than 170,000 adherents in Russia. The rights group also expressed concern that if the ruling takes effect, Jehovah's Witnesses could face criminal prosecution and punishment ranging from fines to prison time.

Source: CBC News April 20, 2017 16:59 UTC