LDS volunteers detained in Russia will be deported
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two Latter-day Saint volunteers who police detained in Russia are being deported, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Many people have reached out regarding the status of our two volunteers in Russia. At this time, they remain in custody while their deportation is being processed. The young men are in good spirits, are being treated well, and are in regular contact with their mission president and their families,” Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a statement.
Russian police arrested the two volunteers during a meeting at a church building last Friday. They have been detained in Novorossiysk since then.
“We continue to work with local authorities in Russia and we remain hopeful these volunteers will be allowed to leave the country soon,” Hawkins said. “In the meantime, we are grateful for the many offers of assistance and support expressed on their behalf.”
Russia implemented an anti-terrorism law in 2016 that banned missionary work, according to KSL. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints complied and redesignated its young missionaries as volunteers.