ABSTRACT

By investigating the main sources of Russian legislation on religious matters, the essay aims to highlight, first of all, the contrast – never recognised by constitutional justice – between the principles expressed in the Fundamental Law and those enshrined in the Federal Legislation in force in this field (i.e. the law on freedom of conscience and religious associations, anti-terrorism legislation and the related provisions of the Criminal Code and of the Administrative Offences Code). Secondly, it aims to highlight the discriminatory aspects. Next, it will examine some significant pronouncements by the highest courts concerning the “non-traditional” religious group, which is currently under severe scrutin by the Russian Institutions, namely the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The conclusive remarks will assess the legislation under investigation also in the light of the recent constitutional amendments and of the draft law currently under discussion aimed at a further change of Law no. 125 FZ/1997.