Scientology is a cult, their Dutch ex-leader says

This video from the USA is about South Park and what Scientologists actually believe.

Today, a trial will start in France, accusing the Church of Scientology of fraud, and of extravagant claims not based on scientific evidence.

Caspar de Rijk, the former founder and director of Scientology Netherlands, was on Dutch NOS TV1 this morning. Asked whether his former organization was a cult, he agreed. He said that scientologists sold so called e-meters etc. for over ten times the prices which they were worth, thus financially ruining recruits. He himself, being a prominent member, had participated in such activities, which he rejects now. Since leaving Scientology in 2003, the organization’s bosses had prevented him from contacting his daughters, who are still members.

In 2004, Caspar de Rijk had already agreed to be interviewed on TV. However, the “church” leaders had said that if he would cancel the TV interview, he might see his daughters again. After he had said no to the broadcasters, Scientology still prevented Mr de Rijk from contacting his daughters.

Asked about Scientologists’ beliefs in aliens, Caspar de Rijk confirmed this, without going into details.

See also here on today’s TV interview.

From AFP news agency:

Oscar-winner Haggis quits Scientology

10:28 AEST Tue Oct 27 2009

Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis has severed his ties with the Church of Scientology in protest against the sect’s position on gays and its treatment of members, it has been reported.

See also here.

One of the Church of Scientology’s most notable members – the Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer-director Paul Haggis (“Million Dollar Baby,” Crash”) – resigned from the church in 2009 out of anger over the church’s implicit support of California’s Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage: here.

John Travolta Sued By Masseur For Assault And Sexual Battery: here.

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