Church of Scientology On Trial In France 890
An anonymous reader sends word that a trial has opened in Paris that could shut down Scientology in France. The organization stands accused of targeting vulnerable people for commercial gain. Scientology does not have the status of a religion there, as it does in the US, and anti-cult groups have pursued it vigorously over more than 30 years. The current case is based on complaints filed by two women in December 1998 and July 1999. Three other former members who had initially joined the complaint have withdrawn after "reaching a financial arrangement with church officials." If convicted, the seven top Scientologists in France face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €1M. The Church of Scientology-Celebrity Centre and its Scientology Freedom Space bookshop not only face a much larger fine but also run the risk of being shut down completely.
And not a moment too soon! (Score:5, Funny)
I guess the whole "child slavery" thing hasn't been working out so well lately.
Oh man! (Score:4, Funny)
Xenu's gonna be pissed!
Re:And not a moment too soon! (Score:4, Funny)
It's all anonymous coward's fault . . . (Score:5, Funny)
damn you anonymous!!!
Re:And not a moment too soon! (Score:5, Funny)
Anonymous!!! (Score:4, Funny)
Does anyone else LOVE the fact that an ANONYMOUS reader posted this article!!!
Re:Google Ads (Score:2, Funny)
Are you ignorant about how Google Ads work or about the meaning of "ironic"?
Re:Excellent (Score:5, Funny)
Wow, apparently I can double up on karma by putting vital information in a reply to my post.
Who knew?
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
Say what you will, but you've got to love the genius of scientology. They take things that are generally considered serious crimes and make them "religious rituals". I can imagine someone coming to Ron in the early years..
Scientologist: Ron, I've got a problem. I just got angry with my girlfriend and shot her in the chest with my .45.
Ron: Hmm.. let me think..
Re:And the church? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:And the church? (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, because Google defines reality. If it's first on Google, then it's obviously the only thing you need to know.
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:4, Funny)
The process of R2-45 specifically pertains to shooting the target with a Colt .45 pistol, causing the victim's "thetan" to leave the body (exteriorization)
Will that work with my Kimber 1911 or do I have to find an original Colt Government Model to destroy my thetan with? ;)
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
The process of R2-45 specifically pertains to shooting the target with a Colt .45 pistol, causing the victim's "thetan" to leave the body (exteriorization)
Will that work with my Kimber 1911 or do I have to find an original Colt Government Model to destroy my thetan with? ;)
Knowing Scientology, you need a very particular custom Kimber that can only be purchased from the CoS for a cost about five times that of the fanciest race gun you've ever seen.
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
I can't just borrow one from Tom Cruise?
A question about religion... (Score:3, Funny)
Why does any "religion" have the status of a religion at all?
It's like saying: Ok, so many people have this disease, that we just declare it as the new "healthy", and be done with it. ^^
I think I just have problems with abandoning my beloved *LOGIC*. ^^
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
It's pretty clear that he considered it a joke at the beginning, and then he went bat-shit insane.
Note to self: never make another joke.
Re:Close them all down (Score:4, Funny)
And I'm looking forward to US government shutting down Apple.
Obviously there is more to the legal definition of this crime that the summary says.
Re:Hell yeah (Score:3, Funny)
Well, they are very experienced and in their business for literally centuries. They know how to infiltrate politics, mothers, and everything. It's going to be pretty hard.
I say we put a fence around it, make a new state, declaring religion and cultism two stages of a disease, and then nuke everything in that fence from orbit. Just to be sure.
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
I can't just borrow one from Tom Cruise?
Nope. They're custom-tuned to the body thetans of the particular individual. That's what makes them so expensive.
Re:Hell yeah - R2-45 (Score:5, Funny)
Damn. I'm guessing I'll need to pay for some audit counseling to go with the gun so they'll have the information they need to tune it properly, huh?
Better start saving up some money. I never knew that I was totally depressed until I met those nice folks at the mall. Sure am glad they are gonna be able to help me.
Re:Hell yeah (Score:5, Funny)
religions that have been established thousands of years?
If this doesn't make them fall apart, more time will
I think you just R2-45'd your argument in the foot.
Re:Please don't make generalisations (Score:3, Funny)
I agree with your point entirely. I'm atheistic.
But what I'm amused with is your desktop environment analogy for belief systems. Bizarre, geeky, precise. Congrats.
Re:Shame they can't do it for other religions (Score:3, Funny)
Easy, its the power of the farce. Beware the dark side!
Re:done (Score:4, Funny)
And not a moment too soon.
I'll take back every bad thing I've said ... (Score:3, Funny)
... about the French if they'll send Tom Cruise to Devil's Island permanently as part of this action. He can work on his OT LXI level there.
Re:Scientology Survives by Recruiting Losers (Score:3, Funny)
I didn't realize the MAFIAA was charging so much for DVD movies these days!
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:And not a moment too soon! (Score:4, Funny)
Oh you've never been to a casino. They will catch you at the exit and offer you another free drink or another free buffet, now try to walk away from that! The temptation, the pressure, those puppy dog eyes of the staff... can you say no to them?
Re:done (Score:4, Funny)