Scientology is not a criminal organisation, court rules

The Belgian branch of the Church of Scientology has been acquitted of being a criminal organisation by a court in Brussels. “After 18 years, the discrimination against Scientology comes to an end,” said spokesperson Chris Meganck.

The case concerned charges of fraud, extortion, illegal practice of medicine, breaches of privacy law and forgery against 12 Scientology representatives. The Church of Scientology in Belgium, which is based in Mechelen, and the European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights in Brussels, an organisation linked to the church, were also in court.

The prosecution alleged that Scientology was a commercial organisation with the sole purpose of taking money from members via intimidation and extortion. The members, the prosecution alleged, were brainwashed by the church and robbed of their free will. The prosecution called for the church to be disbanded and declared illegal.

The court did not accept the charges and on certain counts declared the prosecution’s case inadmissible. The representatives were all acquitted.

Scientology has been operating in Belgium since 1972 but is not recognised as a religion as it is in the United States. The investigation into its affairs began in Belgum in 1997, when a number of former members reported having been the victims of fraud. The current trial started last May.

“The verdict is proof that the Belgian justice system understands a fundamental right – the right to freedom of religion,” Meganck said.