JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
Published By: Miss Usato, Last Updated: April 24th, 2025
In March of 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government’s decision to strip Jehovah’s Witnesses of state funding was unlawful. Now, in April 2025, the state is taking the case to the Supreme Court.
OSLO, Norway — April 24, 2025 — The Norwegian government has officially filed an appeal against the March 14, 2025, ruling by the Borgarting Court of Appeal, which reinstated Jehovah’s Witnesses’ legal registration and state subsidies. The appeal, submitted to the Supreme Court of Norway, challenges the appellate court’s decision that invalidated the government’s previous deregistration of the religious group.
This case isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about drawing a hard line between protecting religious freedom and ensuring people inside those religious communities aren’t harmed. What happens here could shape how governments deal with religious groups that push the boundaries into abuse or discrimination. And let’s be real—it’s already caught global attention.
If you’re not totally up to speed or just need a refresher on how we got here, I have made links that will bring you to past articles explaining the events that led to today, with a quick summary below.
So here’s the short version: The case, Jehovah’s Witnesses vs. Norway, kicked off back in January 2022. But it’s not just about the JW organization or the Norwegian government—it’s also about the ex-members, the people who’ve lived through the emotional and psychological toll of this system. And their voices have been echoing through this courtroom for years now.
Norway Jw vs Norway Appeal 2024
Norway Jw vs Norway Appeal 2025
Then came the big moment: On March 14, 2025, the Borgarting Court of Appeal in Oslo overturned the earlier ruling from the Oslo District Court. They said the government’s decision to pull the plug on JW’s legal registration and funding was unconstitutional. Jehovah’s Witnesses walked away with their registration reinstated and 8.5 million kroner (around $807,000 USD) to cover their legal costs.
Now the government’s appealing that decision—and things are far from over.
“We do not urge anyone to cut off all contact.” – Sæterhaug, who testified on behalf of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the February 2025 Appeal.
“The State of Norway have decided to appeal the verdict from the appeals court in the case JWvsNorway to the Supreme Court. This means that JW will not have their registration or funding back until Supreme Court has decided on this matter.
Here’s an upcoming timeline for what will happen:
1. Notice of Appeal
The party wishing to appeal (e.g., the state) must submit a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court. This must generally be done within one month after the Court of Appeal’s judgment has been served.
This will be done today!
2. Review by the Supreme Court’s Appeals Selection Committee
Most cases must go through a screening process by the Supreme Court’s Appeals Selection Committee. This committee decides whether the case raises questions of principle or has other public significance. Not all cases are admitted for full review by the Supreme Court.
This process typically takes 2 to 4 months, but it can vary.
I expect this to just be a formality. This case will be admitted.
3. If the Case Is Admitted – Main Hearing
If the Appeals Selection Committee allows the case to proceed, a main hearing (court session) is scheduled. This usually takes place several months after the case is admitted, depending on the complexity of the case and the Supreme Court’s schedule.
Typical time from admission to hearing: 4–8 months (though it may be quicker or slower).
4. Judgment by the Supreme Court
After the main hearing, the Supreme Court typically takes a few weeks to write and deliver its judgment.
Example Timeline:
April: The state appeals the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
June-July: The Supreme Court’s Appeals Selection Committee decides whether to hear the case.
November–February: Main hearing in the Supreme Court.
March-April: Judgment is delivered
All those dates are just guesses based on reference cases, but as you can understand, this will probably go on for another year until we have a result.”
So, the case will go to Norway’s Supreme Court later this year. And make no mistake—whatever the outcome, this is bigger than just Norway. The rest of the world is watching closely, especially other countries grappling with the same question: how do you balance freedom of religion with freedom from abuse?
Until then, all we can do is keep the pressure on, keep telling the truth, and refuse to let silence win.
Former Jehovah’s Witnesses supporting each other and the witnesses in court, February, 2025
Tv2: The state appeals the Jehovah’s Witnesses case to the Supreme Court
Nettavisen: The State appeals in Jehovah’s Witness Case
Office of the Attorney General, representing the State of Norway
Glittertind AS Law Firm representing Jehovah’s Witnesses
Reporter
Translator
Analysis
