Russian court shuts down Scientology center

A Russian court has ordered the Scientology movement center in St. Petersburg to be shut down, city prosecutors said.

Izvor: AP

Friday, 13.07.2007.

11:45

Default images

Russian court shuts down Scientology center

"The center was engaging in 'auditing' and 'purification' activities," prosecutors said in a statement issued Thursday. "Such practices were advertised by the organization as healthcare services. However, the organization did not hold a license for this."

The center also performs tests on people who came to the center—tests that were aimed at enrolling new members, prosecutors said.

Scientology officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Los Angeles-based movement—which calls itself the Church of Scientology—was founded in 1954 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and teaches that technology can expand the mind and help solve problems.

It, however, has struggled for acceptance in many European countries. The German government views it as a threat to democracy, and France lists Scientology among groups that should be closely monitored for cult activities.

The organization operated in Moscow legally from 1994-1997, when a change in the law required all religious groups to get reregistered. Scientology officials have said they have tried to re-register repeatedly since then but have been either ignored or refused.

In April, Europe's human rights court ruled that Moscow city authorities infringed on the group's rights of by repeatedly refusing to register it.

Komentari 10

Pogledaj komentare

10 Komentari

Možda vas zanima

Podeli: