Thanks for everyones feedback!
I think Blondie hit the issue on the head. I wish I could have expanded more in my column, but each article is only supposed to hover around 400 words :(
@Sleepingbeauty
Although the Witnesses may be guilty of their fair share of nefariously exploitating the latitude of religious freedoms given them, I would hardly propose that the Witnesses are the WORST and most dangerous religion.
@Hoffnung
You make a lot of good arguments, and arguments I am indeed aware of. It could also be argued that ulimately all decisions by individual Witnesses are made by the individual. The WT may hold them responsible and threaten them with life-altering sanctions, but by the hand of the law they are not physically forcing their members to avoid college, blood transfusions, or enjoying the company of DF'd individuals. I am not saying I agree with this argument, but it the argument likely postulated in a court of law.
I think the main issue is the slippery slope theory. If you are a member of a religious minority in Russia, what prevents Russia from stomping their existence out as well? If it can be done once, it can be done again.
In addition, what legitimacy will Russia continue to hold in the world when they blantantly scorn a unanimous mandate from the ECHR?