Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2003, Page 55
closed a Scientology Center in Athens stated that Scientology ―is an organization with
totalitarian structures and tendencies, which in essence despises man, though it deceivingly
acts freely in order and exclusively to attract members who in turn undergo... brainwashing,
so as to render their way of thought controllable... and which some years ago engaged in
illegal profit making...‖ (Ecclesia News, Internet, 2/2/03)
Critical Testimony in Irish Case Against Scientology
Paul O‘ Kelly, the brother of former Dublin Scientologist Mary Johnston, who is suing the
organization for breaching her constitutional rights (among other things), told the High
Court that between 25 and 40 phone calls were made by a person with an American accent
to his clients and to private individuals seeking information about him. According to a
businessman associated with O‘Kelly, the person who called him said that he was doing
―due diligence on O‘Kelly for an American company.‖ O‘Kelly has testified that he thinks
Scientology is ―hogwash,‖ and that he believes his sister behaved like someone who had
been brainwashed when she was a Scientologist.
Richard Woods, who with his wife is part of Families Under Scientology Stress, a British
group that helps people involved in Scientology, testified that a man photographed while
making a ―noisy investigation‖ of Ms. Johnston was similar to a man in another photograph
taken outside a meeting of Families Under Scientology Stress. Woods said that the man at
the earlier meeting, who said that he was collecting names and addresses, looked like a
member of the Church of Scientology because of the way he dressed. [Scientologists
sometimes wear naval-looking uniforms.]
Scientology‘s ―purification rundown‖ course, aimed to rid the body of toxic compounds and
radiation, is neither medically safe nor scientifically verified, according to the testimony of
Prof. Michael Ryan, head of the pharmacology department at University College Dublin. Ms.
Johnston had testified that she felt a burning sensation while undergoing the rundown, but
had been told that sunburn caused it. (Irish Times, Internet, 2/1, 2/5, 2/6/03)
Indictment in Suicide of Scientologist
A Sardinian judge has indicted Giorgio Carta for extortion in connection with the 1997
suicide of his cousin, fellow Scientologist Roberto [last name not given], whose parents say
that he jumped out a window because he was ―exasperated‖ by his cousin‘s continuous
requests for money. The prosecutors say that Carta threatened to reveal private
confidences Roberto made during Scientology auditing (counseling) if Roberto did not give
him $50,000. Two other defendants, also Scientologists, are charged with disposing of
Roberto‘s Scientology files. (L‘Union Sarda, Internet, 2/13/03)
Nevada Rep Pushes Scientology-Linked Prison Program
Hoping to gain support for the Second Chance drug treatment program, which is based on
the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, Nevada Assemblywoman Sharron
Angle has asked 35 of her fellow legislators to tour a Mexican prison to examine the
program. She said that philanthropist Russell Suggs was financing the trip, which would cost
more than $8,000. Angle is also seeking grants from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services and President Bush‘s faith and community-based programs initiative. (AP,
Internet, 2/11 and 12/03)
Says Scientology Gaining Acceptance
Scientologists in Tampa recently held a fundraiser for mayoral candidate Pam Iorio, who
had earlier told political consultant Mary Repper that she would be glad to meet Repper‘s
Scientology ―friends‖ because she doesn‘t ask supporters about their religious backgrounds.
closed a Scientology Center in Athens stated that Scientology ―is an organization with
totalitarian structures and tendencies, which in essence despises man, though it deceivingly
acts freely in order and exclusively to attract members who in turn undergo... brainwashing,
so as to render their way of thought controllable... and which some years ago engaged in
illegal profit making...‖ (Ecclesia News, Internet, 2/2/03)
Critical Testimony in Irish Case Against Scientology
Paul O‘ Kelly, the brother of former Dublin Scientologist Mary Johnston, who is suing the
organization for breaching her constitutional rights (among other things), told the High
Court that between 25 and 40 phone calls were made by a person with an American accent
to his clients and to private individuals seeking information about him. According to a
businessman associated with O‘Kelly, the person who called him said that he was doing
―due diligence on O‘Kelly for an American company.‖ O‘Kelly has testified that he thinks
Scientology is ―hogwash,‖ and that he believes his sister behaved like someone who had
been brainwashed when she was a Scientologist.
Richard Woods, who with his wife is part of Families Under Scientology Stress, a British
group that helps people involved in Scientology, testified that a man photographed while
making a ―noisy investigation‖ of Ms. Johnston was similar to a man in another photograph
taken outside a meeting of Families Under Scientology Stress. Woods said that the man at
the earlier meeting, who said that he was collecting names and addresses, looked like a
member of the Church of Scientology because of the way he dressed. [Scientologists
sometimes wear naval-looking uniforms.]
Scientology‘s ―purification rundown‖ course, aimed to rid the body of toxic compounds and
radiation, is neither medically safe nor scientifically verified, according to the testimony of
Prof. Michael Ryan, head of the pharmacology department at University College Dublin. Ms.
Johnston had testified that she felt a burning sensation while undergoing the rundown, but
had been told that sunburn caused it. (Irish Times, Internet, 2/1, 2/5, 2/6/03)
Indictment in Suicide of Scientologist
A Sardinian judge has indicted Giorgio Carta for extortion in connection with the 1997
suicide of his cousin, fellow Scientologist Roberto [last name not given], whose parents say
that he jumped out a window because he was ―exasperated‖ by his cousin‘s continuous
requests for money. The prosecutors say that Carta threatened to reveal private
confidences Roberto made during Scientology auditing (counseling) if Roberto did not give
him $50,000. Two other defendants, also Scientologists, are charged with disposing of
Roberto‘s Scientology files. (L‘Union Sarda, Internet, 2/13/03)
Nevada Rep Pushes Scientology-Linked Prison Program
Hoping to gain support for the Second Chance drug treatment program, which is based on
the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, Nevada Assemblywoman Sharron
Angle has asked 35 of her fellow legislators to tour a Mexican prison to examine the
program. She said that philanthropist Russell Suggs was financing the trip, which would cost
more than $8,000. Angle is also seeking grants from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services and President Bush‘s faith and community-based programs initiative. (AP,
Internet, 2/11 and 12/03)
Says Scientology Gaining Acceptance
Scientologists in Tampa recently held a fundraiser for mayoral candidate Pam Iorio, who
had earlier told political consultant Mary Repper that she would be glad to meet Repper‘s
Scientology ―friends‖ because she doesn‘t ask supporters about their religious backgrounds.
