From the AP:
By NICOLAS VAUX-MONTAGNY, Associated Press Writer
PARIS – A Paris court convicted the Church of Scientology of fraud and fined it more than euro600,000 ($900,000) on Tuesday, but stopped short of banning the group’s activities.
The court convicted the Church of Scientology’s French office, its library and six of its leaders of organized fraud. Investigators said the group pressured members into paying large sums of money for questionable financial gain and used "commercial harassment" against recruits.
The Los Angeles-based Church of Scientology, founded in 1954 by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, has been active for decades in Europe, but has struggled to gain status as a religion. It is considered a sect in France and has faced prosecution and difficulties in registering its activities in many countries.
The original complaint in the case dates back more than a decade, when a young woman said she took out loans and spent the equivalent of euro21,000 on books, courses and "purification packages" after being recruited in 1998. When she sought reimbursement and to leave the group, its leadership refused. She was among three eventual plaintiffs.
I just love the part I bolded. “Founded….by science fiction writer”. Shouldn’t that be a clue to make you think twice before giving them money?
The picture is of the cover of the May 1950 magazine “Astounding Science Fiction”. This is where L. Ron Hubbard’s first article on Dianetics appeared. The article title was “Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science.”
So, the beginnings of this “religion” started in a Science Fiction magazine. I wonder why that isn’t on Scientology’s fliers?
What a bizzarre ‘religion’…
They dont tell you upfront ‘hey.. we believe space aliens landed here millions of years ago…”
They brainwash you in small parts until you are in .
What a bunch of wackos.
UGH. Don’t get me started on these freaks.
Did you see the interview on ABC where the spokesperson for scientology walked out?
http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/video-scientology-spokesman-walks-out-on-abc-interview-r-1256665766
They’re all whackjobs. If Tom Cruise is any indication, then I’m pretty solidly set on my opinion. I have an almost nauseous reaction to the term Scientology because it just scares and sickens me to that point.
John Travolta is a scientologist… I never pictured him as a nutjob.
Tom Cruise… what a nut.
I have also heard that they get all your secrets… and if you ever try to leave, they blackmail you.
LYSSIE!!!!
******SMOOCH******
Kristi,
I want to like John Travolta, but anyone that could buy this garbage is too suspect in my opinion.
Of course, if you didn’t know we were talking about scientology, you might think we were a bunch of atheists talking about Christianity…lol
Bunch of nutjobs believing in aliens and pie in the sky spaghetti monsters…?
Where’s the proof? Where’s the evidence?
Mk… yeah I suppose it could look like that. hehe
I read an article awhile ago about John Travolta being terribly depressed since his sons death. Blaming himself for following scientology when it came to his son not taking medication he needed. He wanted out of scientolgy and they were black mailing him with secrets he told them as he rose in the hierarchy of scientology.
Kristi –
Interesting you say that – considering Travolta was suing two people for extortion. Maybe there is more to that?
However, people magazine has said that Travolta is a committed scientologist but during the trial he said : “My son was autistic and he suffered from seizure disorder every five to 10 days,” Travolta, 55, told the court. “He would suffer a seizure that would last 45 seconds to a minute, and sleep for 12 hours.”
I thought Autism wasn’t real according the scientologists. It’s kinda scarey if you think about it…..
There is probably a reason why many European countries see the “religion” as a cult.
I think it is a cult. What religion black mails people to stay?
Apperently.. John Travolta had some homosexual behaviour in his past. His son Jett, needed medication to help him… and Scientology doesnt believe in medication… they believe autism can be cured with diet … something like that. So.. the Travolta’s followed that teaching.
After his sons death.. .he questioned his place with the church of Scientolgy and they threatened to go public with all the details.
Very sad.
There are lots of stories of people being threatened when they try to leave.
THey also sue perfectly good nonprofits so that anyone opposing them and telling the truth about their organization is forced into bankruptcy. What a benevolent ‘religion.’/cult
I think people need to remember……
If a “religion” won’t tell you what they believe in its entirety until you are a “member” then RUN!!! Run far far away!