For the first time in seven years, Russia was included in the list of countries where Christians are persecuted.

International human rights organization Open Doors presented an annual list of 50 countries where Christians are being persecuted. Russia was in 41st place in it, between Kenya and Malaysia.

The authors of the report note that while the Russian Orthodox Church has the support of the state, small Christian groups face opposition from the authorities. Christians in the North Caucasus - especially if they were previously Muslims - are subject to pressure and discrimination from relatives and society.

North Korea topped the list for the 16th time in a row.

• The last time Russia was included in the Open Doors report was in 2012.