AP Sept. 21, 1999
French Court Hears Scientologists
.c The Associated Press
MARSEILLE, France (AP) - A French court began hearing testimony Tuesday
from seven members of the Church of Scientology accused of fraud, after
rejecting the defense's second call to postpone the proceedings.
The case has put the controversial Church of Scientology back in the
spotlight while it struggles to win recognition as a legitimate
religion in Europe. The case also has whipped up fury among Scientology
leaders, one of whom said Monday he would denounce France to the U.N.
Human Rights Commission for threatening the rights of minority
religions to a fair trial.
[...cuts...]
The case originally was lodged by a former member of the church, and on
Monday a second man came forward as a civil party.
[...cuts...]
The French trial already has been tainted by scandal after documents
relating to the case disappeared from the Marseille court two weeks
ago. An official inquiry blamed a court clerk.
[...cuts...]
The Marseille trial was due to continue Wednesday.
Copyright 1999 The Associated Press.
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