Foreign Affairs
Related: About this forumBelgium's Scientology church go on trial for fraud, extortion
http://www.dw.com/en/belgiums-scientology-church-go-on-trial-for-fraud-extortion/a-18807236The Belgian branch of the Church of Scientology has gone on trial for alleged fraud and extortion after a probe into complaints about its practices. The church, which faces a possible ban, claims it is being victimized.
Belgium's Scientology church go on trial for fraud, extortion
26.10.2015
In a packed Brussels courtroom, the prosecution demanded that the church explain where its finances were obtained.
The Belga news agency reported the group as explaining that its funding came from courses and training, as well as the sale of books and videos.
The church - famed for having celebrity adherents such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta - faces an outright ban if the trial ends with a conviction for fraud, extortion, running a criminal organization and violating the right to privacy.
Critics across the world have long contended that the church is a scam, and Belgian authorities organized an initial investigation into it in 1997, following complaints from former members.
DetlefK
(16,423 posts)It wasn't Scientology, it was Jehova's Witnesses... and I was seriously confused where this conversation was going.
David__77
(23,220 posts)Question: What is the US comment on / reaction to a Belgian prosecutor on Tuesday recommending that the U.S.-based Church of Scientology stand trial for fraud and extortion, following a 10-year investigation that concluded the group should be labeled a criminal organization?
Answer: If Belgian authorities have evidence that individuals violated Belgian law, they should take appropriate legal steps, consistent with Belgium's international obligations to protect freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. We would, however, oppose any effort to stigmatize an entire group based solely upon religious beliefs and would be concerned over infringement of any individuals rights because of religious affiliation.
http://web.archive.org/web/20080306123912/http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/sep/91709.htm
Here is someone's rendition of the first day of the proceedings: https://www.byline.com/project/28/article/527.