Jehovah’s Witnesses PRO Receives International Threat Ahead of Trial
Kochi, May 14 – The Kerala Police have initiated an investigation after the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Christian religious group Jehovah’s Witnesses reported receiving a threatening international phone call. The call, allegedly made from a Malaysian number, warned of violent consequences if members of the group testified in the upcoming Kalamassery blast trial.According to the complaint lodged at the Kalamassery police station, the unidentified caller threatened to kill those who provide testimony against the accused and also issued a chilling warning of planting bombs at all conclaves and prayer halls associated with the PRO’s religious services. The call was reportedly received at 9:57 p.m. on May 12.
Police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and that a probe is underway.
Trial Approaches in the Kalamassery Serial Blast Case
The threat comes at a crucial time, as the trial is set to commence for the October 2023 serial blasts that targeted a Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of eight people and left several others injured.Shortly after the blasts, Dominic Martin, allegedly an estranged member of the religious group, surrendered to police in Thrissur district and claimed responsibility for the attacks. He was subsequently arrested.
About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination with origins tracing back to the 19th century in the United States. Historians note its emergence as an offshoot of the International Bible Students’ Association, founded by Charles Taze Russell in Pittsburgh in 1872.Distinct from mainstream Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the concept of the Holy Trinity. They worship Jehovah as the sole deity and recognize Jesus Christ as the son of God, not God himself. Adherents model their faith on Christ’s teachings and consider themselves Christians.
The recent threat has raised serious concerns over the safety of the group’s members and the sanctity of the judicial process, prompting swift action from the authorities.