Tajikistan jails Jehovah’s Witness for refusing to take up arms

Admin l Friday, January 08, 2021

 

TAJIKISTAN-  A Tajik Military Court has sentenced Brother Rustamjon Norov, one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses to three and half years imprisonment for refusing to take up arms and kill other people.

As one of the JWs, Bro. Rustamjon Norov  anchors his faith on the Bible, specifically Micah 4:3 and as such see no need to pick up the gun  against one another  and Galatians 5:22 which encourages members to cultivate love and peace and not fight and Psalm 11.5, where they  JWs are admonished that Jehovah their God hates anyone who loves violence.

For this he was sentenced to 3 and half years imprisonment on January 7, 2021.  Unlike what the Tajik authorities anticipated, Brother Norov is not sad. He is happy for suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ.

For instance, just before the verdict, Rustamjon was given the opportunity to speak to the court. He courageously quoted several verses from the Bible to explain his reason for refusing military service. He also expressed what has helped him to remain steadfast.

Among the scriptures, he quoted was Philippians 4:13: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” Additionally, he said: “Over this entire period, I sensed that my God, Jehovah, was there with me and gave me the strength not to give up or become discouraged, to be happy and joyful, and to continue smiling. I am truly grateful to him for this, and I am proud that I serve him as one of his Witnesses.”