Representatives of the occupation authorities claim that Western countries allegedly built an intelligence network through religious organizations and conducted “extremist sectarian activities.”
Berdiansk 24 got this information from propaganda media.
“The leadership of certain organizations went as far as to demand that their parishioners adjust the fire of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from infrastructure facilities, such as the airfield in Melitopol. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses (an organization recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) were active in large settlements of the Zaporizhzhia region. A number of other organizations pursued the policy of foreign special services and governments in the region, and some pastors had American citizenship,” the article says.
The pseudo-authorities also “rehabilitate” families allegedly affected by the sect. This was stated by Artem Bychayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations, at the “Young South” forum held by the occupiers in Berdiansk.
“They are, in fact, 'zombified'. In most cases, these people are being monitored. We take care of many families. Boys from such families are involved and join youth forums, and the youth departments of district administrations are actively involved in all-Russian competitions to bring them to the big Russia and show them a completely different life,” Bichayev said.
The occupiers seized the Jehovah's Witnesses building in Berdiansk back in December 2022. The invaders claim that the ministers left for the territory controlled by Ukraine. They also reported that they had received lists of members of the religious organization and announced their search.
As of now, the occupiers report that all religious organizations they consider sects have ceased their activities. The real estate that was in their possession “is used for a good cause.” In the occupied territories, in particular, in Berdiansk, only Orthodox churches and priests who agreed to join the Russian Orthodox Church operate. All other religious organizations have been banned by the occupiers. Some parishioners and pastors were persecuted and held captive. Eventually, religious organizations and churches ceased their activities and left the occupied territory.