Hilde Langvann

Victims of Mandated Shunning are Fighting for Change

News

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, …

Oslo Court Case Jehovah's Witnesses

Spotlight on Oslo: Stories of Courage and the Fight Against Mandated Shunning

News

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 …

Jan Frode Nilsen

The Courageous Voices Behind the Oslo Court Case

News

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 …

Norway Mandated Shunning Court Case

Norway: Jehovah’s Witnesses Lose to the State—Mandated Shunning Means No State Subsidy

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BREAKING NEWS: The Norway state subsidy is to be withheld from Jehovah’s Witnesses (Watch Tower), as the Oslo district appeal court upholds their previous decision, deeming it valid. The court acquits the State, citing “serious violations of the rights and freedoms of others” in the exclusion practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Last year, it was announced that Jehovah’s Witnesses would lose …

Shunning is a Crime

Human Rights Take Precedence Over Organisational Rights—Jehovah’s Witnesses Lose Registration Appeal in Norway

News

On June 30, 2023, Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs), one of six well-known religious groups that practice mandated shunning, lost their second appeal in their demand for a temporary injunction so they could continue to receive an annual financial grant of about 1.5 million dollars a year. They lost this right when their registration as a Norwegian religious community was revoked, effective January 1, 2021. …