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TBILISI, DFWatch\u2013Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses in Georgia claim that they are being discriminated against on religious grounds in Terjola, western Georgia.<\/strong><\/p>\n The conflict started about a year ago. Locals Orthodox Christians are against the construction of a new Kingdom Hall\u00a0close to a school because it will \u2018influence the children.\u2019<\/p>\n In June, locals protested against the new house and the local government decided to halt construction work.<\/p>\n Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses then sued the town administration (gamgeoba) in Zestaponi Court and won. The decision is not enforced yet, as the gamgeoba is preparing to appeal.<\/p>\n The gamgeoba said there is unlikely to be any conflicts about the prayer house, but Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses lawyer Manuchar Tsimintia said they received a threatening letter on April 21. The letter was from locals who warn of massive protests if they continue building the house and that Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses will be held \u2018responsible.\u2019<\/p>\n Head of Saint George\u2019s Church in Terjola, Spiridon Tskipurishvili, claimed that someone is trying to provoke a confrontation and make it look like church leaders are persecuting Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses in the eyes of international organizations.<\/p>\n The gamgeoba has offered Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses a different location for the hall and also offered to mediate in the conflict.<\/p>\n