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 a recognized religion, stripping the organization of annual financial support of approximately €1.6 million. This decision was largely driven by the efforts of Jan Frode Nilsen, a former Jehovah’s Witness and a victim of mandated shunning, who courageously brought the issue to the attention of Norwegian authorities. Through his tireless advocacy, Jan provided the State with insight into the harmful practices of mandated shunning, amplifying the voices of victims who often suffer in silence. His work has made it clear that this is not merely a local issue but a global one, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide.
Now, Jehovah’s Witnesses are appealing the State’s decision for the third time in five years, claiming procedural reforms. However, victims and advocates, including Jan, maintain that these changes do little to address the systemic harm caused by mandated shunning.
Why Your Support Matters
The victims testifying in Oslo are fragile and deeply affected by years of psychological and emotional trauma. Many face an intimidating presence from Jehovah’s Witnesses, who often attend such hearings en masse. Your presence in the courtroom could provide these victims with the comfort of knowing they are not alone and that their courage is supported by a worldwide community.
As advocate Patrick Haeck shared, “Your presence can make it clear that this is not about ‘a handful of frustrated people.’ This is a worldwide problem, and we are representing hundreds of thousands of victims of JW. Most are so broken that they do not even have the ability to be in Oslo. But we will bring their stories.”
Even if you cannot attend the trial in person, you can still make a difference by sending words of encouragement. Share your thoughts of support or a brief story of how you have suffered from the practice of mandated shunning. These messages will be shared with the victims to remind them they are part of a larger community standing against this injustice.
How You Can Help
1. Attend the Trial in Oslo. If you have the means to travel, please consider being present in court on February 7 and 10 to show your solidarity with the victims.
2. Send words of encouragement. Your words can be a source of strength for those testifying and a powerful demonstration to the court that this issue resonates far beyond the walls of the courtroom.
3. Take the Survey. To create legal precedents, we need information, facts and evidence from people who have experienced the emotional, physical, and psychological harm, both short and long-term, of mandated organizational shunning.
4. Tell your story to ensure that the evidence on the harmfulness of mandated shunning can no longer be ignored and is globally recognized and acknowledged.
5. Donate. Your donation will help us gather crucial data, spread awareness, and advocate for change. It will also support our legal challenge to mandated shunning as we endeavour to convince governments and the legal community in numerous countries about the scope and magnitude of this unnecessary and hateful problem.
6. Spread the Word: Share this article and raise awareness about the case. The more people who understand the harm caused by mandated shunning, the stronger our collective voice will be.
A Call for Justice
This case is more than a legal battle. It is a fight for the dignity and rights of individuals (especially minors) who have been silenced for far too long. Mandated shunning, as practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses and other high-control groups, is a violation of basic human rights and children’s rights. It isolates individuals emotionally, financially, and socially, leaving lasting scars.
The courage of victims like Jan Frode Nilsen and others testifying in Oslo is a beacon of hope for those who continue to suffer in silence. Let’s stand together to support them and send a resounding message: the time has come to stop mandated shunning.