It happened slowly enough at first that some people did not understand its significance.

A report here. A policy there. A new phrase repeated by officials in more than one country. The remaining “unauthorized religious groups,” as they were called, were now being reviewed as possible threats to public harmony. The language was bureaucratic, even polished.

Then names began appearing.

Jehovah’s Witnesses were no longer ignored.

They were discussed.

Watched.

Tracked.