A Spanish court has ruled that critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses may describe the group as a “destructive sect” without risking defamation claims, citing protections for freedom of expression.
The Provincial Court of Madrid upheld a 2023 ruling in favour of the Spanish Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses Victims, determining that its public criticism does not unlawfully damage the group’s right to honour or reputation.
According to the court, describing Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “destructive sect” falls within the scope of protected speech under Spanish law, even if the term is considered offensive. It also ruled that claims suggesting the group “harms health, endangers lives, or creates victims” are protected expressions, even if they are unpleasant.
The case originated from a complaint filed by six members of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spain, who argued that the use of the word “victims” in the association’s name was defamatory and sought its dissolution.
Lawyer Carlos Bardavio, representing the association, described the ruling as unprecedented. He noted that it marks the first time a court has explicitly stated that a formally recognised religion can be labelled a “destructive sect” under free speech protections.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, founded in 1870 by Charles Taze Russell in Pennsylvania, claims to have around nine million followers worldwide. The group is widely known for its door-to-door evangelism and its opposition to blood transfusions, which it considers contrary to its beliefs about the sanctity of blood.
The ruling is not yet final and may still be appealed to Spain’s Supreme Court.
Over the years, Jehovah’s Witnesses has been involved in legal disputes related to medical decisions, particularly cases where members refused blood transfusions for themselves or their children, sparking public debate.
Critics have also alleged that leaving the organisation can be difficult, with some former members claiming they faced social pressure or were shunned after exiting the group.
