From the Watch Tower to the Acropolis: The Search for a Consistent Religious Freedom Standard in an Inconsistent World

In late 2011, Greek authorities convicted a Pentecostal Christian for proselytizing to another man. In Greece, proselytism is a crime punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment and is strictly prohibited by both the Constitution and statutes. Emmanuel Damavolitis, a Pentecostal Christian, now faces four months in prison and a fine of €840 for proselytism. His attorney, Vassilios Tsirbas, appealed his case to the European Court of Human Rights ('ECHR'), claiming the conviction violates Article 9 of the European Convention ofHuman Rights.

This case illustrates how creating a framework for securing religious freedom is a paradox amidst the democratic revolution of the modern world.