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Belgian Scientologists go on trial for fraud and extortion
Source: Agence France-Presse
Belgian Scientologists go on trial for fraud and extortion
Agence France-Presse in Brussels
Monday 26 October 2015 16.55 GMT
The Belgian branch of the Church of Scientology has gone on trial and faces a possible ban for fraud and extortion, charges it claims are meant to ruin its reputation.
The case opened in a packed Brussels courtroom on Monday where the prosecution demanded that the church, known internationally for celebrity members including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, explain where it got its financing.
“The church’s revenues were roughly €5,000 (£3,500) a week; €2,000 came from the sale of books and videos and €3,000 from courses and training,” the Belga news agency quoted the group’s treasurer as saying.
The treasurer, who worked for the church until 2005, said she was not paid but was not required to pay the church’s fees, while her husband contributed about €10,000 for training.
The church sharply divides opinion – critics say it is cult and a scam, while supporters say it offers much-needed spiritual support in a fast-changing world.
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Agence France-Presse in Brussels
Monday 26 October 2015 16.55 GMT
The Belgian branch of the Church of Scientology has gone on trial and faces a possible ban for fraud and extortion, charges it claims are meant to ruin its reputation.
The case opened in a packed Brussels courtroom on Monday where the prosecution demanded that the church, known internationally for celebrity members including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, explain where it got its financing.
“The church’s revenues were roughly €5,000 (£3,500) a week; €2,000 came from the sale of books and videos and €3,000 from courses and training,” the Belga news agency quoted the group’s treasurer as saying.
The treasurer, who worked for the church until 2005, said she was not paid but was not required to pay the church’s fees, while her husband contributed about €10,000 for training.
The church sharply divides opinion – critics say it is cult and a scam, while supporters say it offers much-needed spiritual support in a fast-changing world.
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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/26/belgian-scientologists-trial-fraud-extortion
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