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This is a particularly interesting and informative panel discussion from June 2009 that aired on on France 24.

The topic is the legal action in France against Scientology. The panelists go into some detail on a person’s right to believe anything at all, versus taking action on that belief that causes harm to others.

Rick Ross, director of the Ross Institute, a valuable resource on cults and new religious movements, makes very clear statements on where Scientology crosses the line into fraud and possible criminal activity. France does not recognize Scientology as a religion, and has found the institution and some members guilty of fraud in that context. 

The “purification rundown” was created by L. Ron Hubbard, who had no medical training or evidence supporting his doctrines. His claim of “elimination of toxins” has been found to be false, furthermore the large doses of niacin can damage the liver. In addition, denial of prescription drugs for treatment of disorders like schizophrenia may have caused at least one death — that of the Scientologist mother who did not allow her son to be treated, and who later killed her.

A point of heated debate is the nature and purpose of a list of sects the French government has compiled. Also discussed are legal proceedings against Christian Scientists and Jehovah’s Witnesses who deny certain medical treatments to their children because of their beliefs.

First a short clip on the French court’s recent rulings against Scientology:

 

Scientologists convicted of fraud in France - By Dorothee Moisan (AFP) October 27, 2009

…The latest case follows a complaint from two women, one of whom says she was manipulated into handing over 20,000 euros for costly products, including an “electrometer” to measure mental energy. …

A second plaintiff alleges she was forced by her Scientologist employer to undergo testing and enroll in courses in 1998. When she refused she was fired. 

The head of France’s interministerial body on cults, Georges Fenech, said he was sorry judges were prevented from tougher action. “I strongly regret that the law was changed discreetly during the trial, just before the trial, without anyone knowing,” he told France 24 television. 

“But I think the provision has been reinstated by parliament, so there could be a ban in future if they offend again.” 

Critics of Scientology have accused Scientologists of “infiltrating” the National Assembly to lobby for the legal change. 

Outraged by the allegation, French Scientology’s lawyer had asked the court to reopen the case to clear her clients of suspicion.

Wikipedia blocked the Church of Scientology from editing entries at the communally-crafted online encyclopedia earlier this year due to an unrelenting battle over the group’s image. 

Should Scientology be banned? Part 1 of 5:

 

Case background

Jens Tingleff on Scientolgy’s profit directive and legal tactics, and the reasons for “cult” designation

Rick Ross on behavior vs. belief, the pattern of complaints, financial exploitation, and other serious allegations

Should Scientology be banned? Part 2 of 5:

 

Raphael Liogier voices concerns regarding sect designation 

Jaques Myard, conservative MP, rebuttal 

Liogier argues against value judgements 

Jens Tingleff states Scientology is a criminal organization, citing successful criminal prosecutions, and that coercion is “written into” Scientology 

Rick Ross on the doctrine of Scientology, its financial hazards and other dangers, the empire left by Hubbard, on Miscavige attaining tax-exempt status in 1992,  U.S. government reluctance to interfere in anything “religious”

Should Scientology be banned? Part 3 of 5: 

 

More background on this and other French court cases against Scientology 

Liogier alleges French obsession with “real” vs. “false” religion 

Myard denies Liogier’s allegations, calling them nonsense and completely wrong, and stressing focus on crimes 

Liogier re-states his concerns, admits ignorance of the current case, and admits to refusing the opportunity to assist in this trial’s defense 

Tingleff concludes that Liogier does not want to discuss the crimes, or discuss anything but Myard’s list of sects

Should Scientology be banned? Part 4 of 5: 

 

The moderator mentions the allegation some were “illegally practicing as pharmacists,” and Scientology’s opposition to drugs for mental illness

Rick Ross on the “purification rundown,” high doses of niacin, Scientology’s war on psychiatry, legal cases against parents for withholding medical care from their children, charges of medical neglect and manslaughter

Myard cites problems with “alternative medicine” and deregulation of “therapist” treatments

Tingleff on the specifics of Scientology cult indoctrination, the price list, the rigid rules for advancement

Should Scientology be banned? Part 5 of 5:

 

Rick Ross rebuts “religious persecution” arguments, claims Rafael is wrongly attempting to re-frame the debate, clarifies the harm vs. belief issue

Liogier agrees momentarily and then argues that sects raising money is not a basis for allegations of fraud

Myard rebuts again

Scientology end-game