Criminal trial into Scientology begins in Belgium: TV
Xinhua, October 26, 2015 Adjust font size:
A major criminal trial into the practices of the Scientology religious community began in Belgium on Monday.
Belgium's federal prosecutor is pursuing charges of extortion, money laundering, fraud, violation of privacy laws and practice of illegal medicine, Flemish public broadcaster VRT reported. The 12 defendants deny all charges.
The trial follows a complaint filed by the Brussels employment agency Actiris, which reportedly became suspicious of several job advertisements placed by the Scientology community.
According to VRT, it is estimated that somewhere between 300 and 500 people in Belgium are members of Scientology, which is considered a cult under Belgian law.
The broadcaster says in its report: "The lawsuit is bad news for an organization reputed to be very controlling, which attempts to suppress any kind of negative coverage."
The trial is expected to last several weeks. Endit