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. Full story...
Related posts:
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. Full story...
Related posts:
- Secrets of the Scientologists: Why people do horrible things for belief...
- Scientology founder's great grandson warns against the cult...
- French scientologists angered by fraud verdict...
- Former Scientology executive Debbie Cook claims torture...
- The dark side of the Church of Scientology...
- Four deaths at Scientology's Narconon drug treatment programme...
- Ex-Scientology member harassed at his house...
- 'I feel brainwashed – a robot of Scientology'
No comments:
Post a Comment