A Hindu group based in the UK has launched a website to coordinate worldwide communication on issues of alleged harassment of Russian Hindus by the nations’ Orthodox Church and the government.The website, www.Defendrussianhindus.Org, launched by the Defend Russian Hindus Campaign here, includes history of the harassment, latest news about the campaign, press stories, presentations that can be downloaded, and pictures and documents and contact details for sending protest letters.The campaign, launched at the House of Commons last month by parliamentarians and members of communities, gathered steam after certain objectionable comments were allegedly made against a Hindu diety by the Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. Reportedly, he also urged the Moscow Mayor to stop construction of a Hindu temple there.“There are over 60,000 Hindus in Russia with thousands of Indian and Russian origin (over 10,000) in Moscow alone. However, the peaceful community is being denied simple right to have a place of worship where they can pray, counsel and celebrate their faith,” said Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain.Supporters of the campaign include Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, who recently handed a letter of protest to the visiting Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov. Minister for Europe Douglas Alexander has said that Britain will discuss the issue with Russia.A motion in the House expressing concern about the harassment and extending support to the campaign has so far received support of 57 MPs.
