ALL NEWS

Hope for Church volunteers detained in Russia

Mar 7, 2019, 5:10 AM

SALT LAKE CITY — The Russian government is denying knowledge of two volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being detained in the country.

A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters in Moscow that they don’t have any information, and that journalists should contact the “relevant authorities” for more information.

It is happening in the city of Novorossiysk, a city on the Black Sea, and experts say it will most likely continue to be handled by local authorities. Which Deseret News Opinion Editor Boyd Matheson

The laws are pretty strict in Russia, for example, that’s why Church missionaries are called volunteers.

BYU-Idaho student Cody Watterson served in that very mission from July 2014 to July 2016, with the last few months of his mission in the same city. He says missionaries or volunteers being detained was pretty common, but not for this long.

“The fact that they’ve been held for a couple of days is surprising,” he told KSL Newsradio live on Wednesday morning.

“The main one, was Russian law allows for any police officer to detain someone for up to three hours to verify their identity. So the big one we got detained for when I was there, was officers would take us to the police station to verify our documents,” he said.

Watterson says he has full confidence in the Church’s legal team and that they’ll be able to get things worked out.

So does former Utah State Representative Ronda Menlove. She served in the Europe East Area for the Church when the laws changed in Russia in July 2016.

“Their feeling was, they didn’t want terrorist groups recruiting in their country, which we can understand.” But the law extended to religious groups as well.

“Our name was changed, and we were not able to speak to people on the street or distribute material on the street to get people to come to church,” she said.

For what it’s worth, Watterson says the city they are in is beautiful. It’s a port city by the black sea about 900 miles south of Moscow.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Hope for Church volunteers detained in Russia