French Court Finds Church of Scientology Guilty Of Breaching Privacy Laws
A French court fined the Church of Scientology for violating privacy
rights of former members but threw out charges of attempted fraud and
false advertising. The decision reflects France's tough and controversial
stance against so-called religious sects.
The Paris chapter of the Church of Scientology says it will appeal the
fine of about $7,300 and a separate fine of about $1,800 against the
group's local president, Marc Walter.
French prosecutors say the Church of Scientology harassed former members
of the group long after they left the organization.
The court did not impose the strongest penalty sought by prosecutors -
that of dissolving the Paris Scientology chapter - but would consider such
action if the chapter faces similar charges in the future.
According to a spokeswoman for Scientology, Gaetane Asselin, the court's
decision represents a partial victory for the organization.
"The main accusation of fraud and false publicity was relaxed," she said.
"So it means we were found not guilty of any of these accusations, which
is very good for us. Because the attorney of the opposition has been
trying to prove for years that is what we are doing, and one more court
admitted it has nothing to do with us."
The Church of Scientology says it has about 40,000 members in France and
millions worldwide. It was founded in the United States by science fiction
writer, L. Ron Hubbard.
Critics say Scientology is not a religion, but a dangerous scam. The
church rejects such accusations.
The organization will face even tougher scrutiny under a new French law
that sets stricter controls on religious groups.
Lucia Salazar, who works with a private group that is fighting
Scientology, says her organization will continue its efforts to dissolve
the church.
Mrs. Salazar supports the new French law on sects. She says it allows
victims of so-called cults to fight for reparations. But some human rights
organizations, religious groups and the U.S. government have expressed
concern the French law may infringe on religious freedom.
Voice of America
17 May 2002
by Lisa Bryant
[Note: The
Scientology®
organization has at best estimate approximately
45,000 to 50,000 followers world wide -- contrary to the 8 million figure
that the organization has been claiming for the past few years or so.
While that number continues to drop (thanks in part to the Internet) few
of the remaining followers are even aware of the unending series of police
raids, indictments, and prison terms their leaders and fellow cultists are
subjected to routinely. Few are allowed to know about their organization's
criminal history, or its current racketeering activities. Even fewer of
the cult's remaining followers are privy to their messiah's written
policies which dictates the criminal behavior that keeps getting their
organization raided (see Xenu.NET for
suitable references of Scientology policy) Scientology management
is the problem, not the thousands of honest believers who are good,
honest citizens; themselves victims of Scientology - flr]
The name "Narconon"® is trademarked to the Scientology organization through one of their many front groups. The name "Scientology"® is also trademarked to the "Church" of Scientology. Neither this web page, nor this web site, nor any of the individuals mentioned herein assisting to educate the public about the dangers of the Narconon scam are members of or representitives of the Scientology organization.
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