watoday.com.au ~ Independent senator Nick Xenophon has accused the Church of Scientology of being a criminal organisation, calling for it to be investigated by police and the parliament.
Senator Xenophon on Tuesday used parliamentary privilege to attack the church, after being contacted by a number of former Scientologists who accused the organisation of "shocking" crimes.
"Scientology is not a religious organisation, it is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs," he told the Senate.
"... The letters received by me which were written by former followers in Australia contains extensive allegations of crimes and abuses that are truly shocking - crimes against them and crimes they say they were coerced into committing.Senator Xenophon said their correspondence implicated the organisation in a range of crimes, including forced imprisonment, coerced abortions, embezzlement of church funds, physical violence, intimidation and blackmail.
From ParlInfo fragment: "...What we are seeing is a worldwide pattern of abuse and criminality. On the body of evidence this is not happening by accident; it is happening by design.
Scientology is not a religious organisation. It is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs. What you believe does not mean you are not accountable for how you behave."
The Church of Scientology released a statement last night accusing Senator Xenophon of an "outrageous" abuse of parliamentary privilege. The church's statement did not respond to any of the specific allegations made against it.
Australian Senator Nick Xenophon calls for senate inquiry into Scientology: PT 1
Australian Senator Nick Xenophon calls for senate inquiry into Scientology: PT 2
Props to WWP for links and video.
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