Belgium Branch of the Church of Scientology Faces Trial for Fraud
Chris Meganck and Eric Roux of Scientology Belgium and Europe at the first session of the trial on Monday.
Published 27 October 2015 (4 hours 55 minutes ago)
Authorities in Brussels have been investigating its branch of the Church of Scientology since members started to complain in 1997.
The Belgium branch of the Church of Scientology is facing trial after being charged with several counts of fraud and extortion, and could face a possible ban if found guilty.
The trial opened Monday in a courtroom in Brussels, the Belgium capital, when the judge asked the church to explain where it gets its funding.
The church – made famous through its high celebrity membership – claims that it is being victimized, and that the charges are only meant to ruin its reputation.
Belgian authorities first opened a case against the church in 1997 after a number of former members came forward to complain. Another inquiry was opened in 2008 after a job recruitment center alleged that the church was advertising fake job offers in an attempt to pull in people and boost its membership.
Since then, 11 members of the Belgian branch of the Church of Scientology have been charged with fraud, extortion, running a criminal organization and violating the right to privacy.
When the judge asked the church Monday to explain where it got its funding, the group's treasurer responded by saying, “The church’s revenues were roughly 5,000 euros a week (about US$5.500); 2,000 euros came from the sale of books and videos and 3,000 from courses and training,” reported the Belga news agency.
The church has highly contested the charges against it and said last week that it had “no doubt” that it would be cleared of all charges.
The church has been highly criticized worldwide with many calling it a scam, since it charges its members to pay a commission, with fees and courses increasing when you get further up the hierarchy. Others say it provides them with much-needed spiritual support in a fast-changing world.
One of the main cruxes of Scientology – which was created by science fiction author Ron L. Hubbard – is that people are immortal being who have forgotten their true nature.
The church has long faced issues in Belgium, which in 2005 refused to recognize it as an official religion in the country.
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