A Christian in Russia is fighting back after being fined by the government for hosting worship services in her home.

Olga Glamozdinova lives in the village of Veselyi and has allowed worship sessions for her protestant church to take place in her home weekly.

Glamozdinova was fined about 10,000 Russian rubles (about $204.00 Canadian) and is now taking the matter to court in St. Petersburg. She says the decision has violated her rights to freedom of religious expression, as well as her right to freely own and dispose of her property.

The land in question was originally designated for "private farming" as of January 2017, according to the international Christian charity, Barnabas Fund. Glamozdinova registered the church on this property, however, she received a fine for "use of the land for unintended purposes" about nine months later.

After two court hearings, the decision that Glamozdinova was using the land for a purpose other than what it was originally intended for has been upheld. Glamozdinova is now appealing these rulings before the Russian Constitutional Court.

Russian law does not allow for existing residential buildings to be registered as churches. The law also rarely grants permission for church buildings to be built for Protestant congregations. As a result, churches face greater chances of closure at the hands of Russian authorities.

Vladimir Riakhovsky, the lawyer who has represented Glamozdinova during her case, says the situation shows a "legal ambiguity" in the system that is repressing freedoms for religious associations.

Riakhovsky also says this case is not a unique example. Should Glamozdinova's appeal be successful, it would assist in shaping future cases concerning religious freedom in the country.

It is expected to take a few months before the Russian Constitutional Court releases its final decision.