Scientologists go on trial in France for fraud

Reuters UK ^ | May 25, 2009 | Thierry Leveque

[Cincinna]

The Church of Scientology's French branch went on trial Monday on charges of organised fraud, in a case that could lead to the group being dissolved in France.

Registered as a religion in the United States, with celebrity members such as actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, Scientology enjoys no such legal protection in France and has faced repeated accusations of being a money-making cult.

The French branch of the group said Monday religious freedom was threatened.

Its Paris headquarters and bookshop are defendants in the case. If found guilty, they could be fined 5 million euros (4.4 million pounds) and ordered to halt their activities.

Since the two units account for most of the group's activities in France, that would in practice mean its dissolution -- although it is unclear whether it could still open new centres in the future.

Six leading French Scientology members are also in the dock. Some are charged with illegally practising as pharmacists and face up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines. A seventh defendant died before the case came to trial.

"snip" A spokesman for Scientology in France, Eric Roux, said freedom of religion was at stake.

"There are 45,000 Scientologists in France and Scientology has been present in our country for 50 years. We have no intention of allowing our fundamental rights to be trampled," he told Reuters just before the start of the trial.

[Cincinna]

*** FRENCH POLITICS AND CULTURE PING LIST *** FREEPMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO JOIN ***

WE all know Scientology is not a religion. Its purpose is not worship. Its main belief is separating the adherants from their money.

That being said, prosecution for belief is something that is antithetical to the American way. It has a chilling effect on all religion, and all free speech, and, IMO is a violation of the First Amendment.

My feeling is that Scientology, as everyone else, should be prosecuted for all violations of the law, and every case of fraud or, as the French say, “escroquerie”. Banning belief is a dangerous road to go down.

Now, I don’t know what the tax laws are in France regarding religions. In the US, because Scientology is classified as a religion, it can, and does, benefit from tax emptions for religions, like property tax, etc. If anyone is familiar with the French law on this, please post and let us know.

NB: In French, a “culte” is what we call a “sect”. Like Baptist or Presbyterian are different Protestant sects. “Secte” is what in English we call a Cult... like Scientology, Moonies, and other assorted moonbats.

Don’t worry about the terminology too much....remember...they’re French.

[decimon]

Old mutha Hubbard went to his cupboard...

[rom]

The more I read on Scientology — the more amazed I am that anyone is stupid enough to be a member of that cult.

What? Lots of celebs are Scientologists?

In that case: I am no longer amazed.

[SunkenCiv]

in a case that could lead to the group being dissolved in France

Thanks Cincinna.

[Billthedrill]

They do realize they’re messin’ with Xenu, don’t they?

[KevinOwen]

Another effort by the French to ban us. It does make good media, all these accusations and charges [none proven] sensationalised by the press. One thing I notice is that the hits on my website go through the roof when these attacks on Scientology are happening, so in the end we win anyway.
Anyone who thinks one womans accusation that she was forced to spend to much 8yrs ago is going to get Scientology banned from France is living in a fantansy world. Like I said though it does make good press

Church Of Scientology Statement On France Trial
http://www.rehabilitatenz.co.nz/pages/scientology-france-trial.html

Those That Oppose Scientology
http://www.rehabilitatenz.co.nz/pages/scientology-opposed.html

[Cincinna]

There has been a concerted, very organized effort to use this website to promote the official agenda of Scientology.

FR is an inappropriate forum for this. FR is a Conservative website; these responses are off the wall.

This poster has posted links to Scientology sites, and he has only posted on this topic.

I am all for free speech, but I don’t believe the cause of conservatism is served by this sort of propaganda.

Kindest regards,

Cincinna

[GeronL]

I don’t think reply #7 is some kind of conspiracy. There happen to be scientologists who are freepers, JimRob takes all kinds =o)

There are a lot of 1-issue freepers out there