In recent months, significant developments have been taking place in the Czech Republic regarding the legal status of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society). The Czech government is currently reviewing whether this religious group should maintain its status as a recognized church, a status that grants them certain privileges, including financial and legal benefits. This scrutiny has prompted Jehovah’s …
As we count down to the pivotal appeal trial in Oslo this February, attention is drawn not only to the victims who will testify but also to the dedicated advocates fighting for change. One such advocate is Hilde Langvann, the leader of Hjelpekilden, an organization devoted to helping individuals recover from the psychological trauma of life in high-control religious groups, …
As the February 2025 appeal trial in Oslo approaches, the spotlight intensifies on the brave individuals whose voices have exposed the harmful realities of mandated shunning. This trial has its roots in Norway’s decision to deny Jehovah’s Witnesses state subsidies and revoke their registration as a recognized religious community. The Norwegian State argues that the organization’s exclusion practices amount to …
A groundbreaking international research project has launched to document and quantify the devastating human cost of mandated religious shunning—a coercive practice affecting an estimated 40 million people worldwide. This pioneering study will provide critical data to inform policy decisions and raise global awareness about how mandated shunning violates basic human rights. The Open Minds Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to …
OSLO, Norway – As the pivotal appeal trial approaches in February 2025, the spotlight turns to the victims whose bravery brought the harmful practices of mandated shunning into public view. Their testimonies not only influenced Norway’s decision to revoke Jehovah’s Witnesses’ status as a recognized religion but also stripped the organization of substantial financial privileges. These victims are now preparing …
OSLO, Norway – A historic appeal case will take place at the Oslo Appeal Court from February 3-14, 2025, with critical testimonies scheduled for February 7 and 10. This case, brought by Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) against the Norwegian State, has the potential to reshape how mandated shunning is understood and addressed legally. The Norwegian State previously revoked JW’s status as …
Stop Mandated Shunning’s ongoing survey has now surpassed 1,200 responses, shedding light on the global and far-reaching effects of mandated shunning. The survey continues to document the experiences of individuals who have been harmed by high-control religious groups, and the results so far emphasize just how pervasive this damaging practice is. Religious Groups Represented: Participants in the survey have come …
By Monica Velin Rodriguez On September 13, 2024, a crowd of passionate individuals from all over the USA—including states as far away as Hawaii—converged on Washington DC to raise their voices and protest the inhumane practice of mandated shunning and other abuses that are common in authoritarian groups. This is the second Be Free protest, and this year’s theme put …
By Monica Velin Rodriguez Q. How does a victim of shunning get a message to their family? A. It’s impossible. Mandated shunning is a social death sentence. In many cases, the shunning is so complete that victims have been blocked on phones and all social media. Any call would be ended; every door would be slammed shut. If a target …
By Monica Velin Rodriguez Stories are powerful. Two weeks ago, on July 2, I was sitting on an aeroplane headed to the annual conference of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA). A local Minnesota philanthropist saw the stories my husband and I had shared on the Stop Mandated Shunning website. He was so moved that he wanted to support the cause. He said, “You’re …
