In Novorossiysk, a report was drawn up against a Baptist priest for serving in a private home

In Novorossiysk, the police accused the presbyter of the Baptist church, Yury Kornienko, of violating the law on freedom of conscience and religious associations (Article 5.26 of the Code of Administrative Offenses). about this on Facebook. writes Evgeny Kokora, the head of the Novorossiysk organization of Baptists,

Kornienko was charged with an administrative offense because of the Baptist service, which took place in a private house on April 7. It was attended by 70 people. When the service was being held, soldiers of the National Guard, police officers, representatives of the FSB and the administration, firefighters, and Cossacks broke into the building. They demanded to stop worship.

“The protocol was drawn up for a member of a religious group registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, for a presbyter who is empowered to carry out missionary activities,” writes Kokora.

The protocol itself was drawn up 11 days after the incident. While by law it is required to draw up within two days.

According to Kokora, the police major who drew up the report “humanly apologized that he had to call us and draw up a report.” Also, the head of the Novorossiysk Baptist organization noted that the policeman was aware of the social work carried out in the city by followers of religious teachings.